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Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception in Pharmacies across Dallas, Texas: A Secret Shopper Study
Surabhi R Madadi1, Rithika Prakash1, Sarah Mayberry2
1UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|May 3, 2026
Summary
Emergency contraception pills (ECP) are less available in low-income Dallas pharmacies compared to high-income areas. This study highlights disparities in access to essential reproductive health medications.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmaceutical Access
- Health Equity
Background:
- Over-the-counter emergency contraception pills (ECP) are crucial for reproductive health.
- Pharmacy availability can significantly impact access to ECP.
- Disparities in healthcare access often correlate with socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the availability of over-the-counter emergency contraception pills (ECP) in Dallas pharmacies.
- To compare ECP availability across pharmacies located in high-income versus low-income neighborhoods.
Main Methods:
- A secret shopper methodology was employed to assess 83 pharmacies in Dallas.
- Pharmacies were categorized based on zip code income levels (high-income vs. low-income).
- Data collected included ECP visibility on shelves and whether storage was restricted; statistical analyses compared availability by income group.
Main Results:
- Emergency contraception pills (ECP) were visibly available in 53% of surveyed pharmacies.
- Pharmacies in high-income areas (64% availability) demonstrated higher ECP availability than those in low-income areas (39% availability).
- A significant portion (84%) of visibly available ECP were stored in restricted access areas.
Conclusions:
- Access to over-the-counter emergency contraception pills (ECP) is limited, especially in low-income communities.
- The findings underscore a need for targeted interventions to improve ECP availability and accessibility.
- Addressing these disparities is essential for promoting reproductive health equity.
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