Our Latest Updates – Archive

Updated: Drugs Switched from Prescription to Over-the-Counter Status
9/7/2023 -

The updated resource includes the first FDA-approved OTC birth control pill.

FDA Approves First OTC Birth Control Pill
7/13/2023 -

The pill will be available in stores in the first quarter of 2024 according to manufacturer Perrigo.

FDA Clarifies Plan B Is Contraceptive, Not an Abortion Pill
1/9/2023 -

In Dec. 2022, amid the escalating abortion debate, the FDA clarified that Plan B is not an abortion drug: the pill “will not work if you’re already pregnant, and will not affect an existing pregnancy.”

First Application for OTC Birth Control Pill Submitted to FDA
7/11/2022 -

HRA Pharma announced on July 11, 2022 that the company submitted the first application for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill in the United States to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Updated: Over-the Counter Birth Control Pills
3/22/2022 -

Should birth control pills be available over the counter? Explore updated arguments, quotes, and supplemental research.

Updated: Prescription Status of Birth Control Pills around the World
3/10/2022 -

Of 142 countries, 42 (29.6%) require a prescription for birth control pills, 47 (26.1%) officially require no prescription (though 10 require a health screening), and 53 (37.3%) countries informally allow birth control pills to be distributed without a prescription

Updated: Drugs Switched from Prescription to Over-the-Counter Status
3/10/2022 -

Between Sep. 9, 1976 and June 17, 2021, 102 drug ingredients were switched from prescription (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) status by the FDA.

NEW ProCon.org Website! – 2020 Presidential Election: The Candidates and Where They Stand on the Issues
8/29/2019 -

Learn about the presidential candidates’ views on important issues, compare them with a side-by-side chart, find your best match with a fun quiz, track their finances, and so much more on our 2020 Presidential Election website. The New York Times called our previous presidential election site “The most comprehensive tool for researching the candidate’s stance on issues.” Check back monthly for expanded issue coverage.

New: Drugs Switched from Prescription to Over-the-Counter Status
2/26/2019 -

Many popular OTC drugs such as Advil, NyQuil, and Nexium were once prescription drugs. Learn about 96 drug ingredients and their respective brand names that have made the move from prescription to OTC.

New: Prescription Status of Birth Control Pills around the World
2/26/2019 -

Of 135 countries, representing 95.79% of the world’s population, 15.48% require a prescription for birth control pills. Explore which countries require a prescription, which require a health screening but no prescription, and which have formal or informal OTC policies.

New ProCon.org Website! – Should Birth Control Pills Be Available Over-the-Counter?
2/21/2019 -

Our new topic explores the pros and cons in the debate over making birth control pills available over-the-counter (OTC). 9.1 million women (12.6% of contraceptive users) use birth control pills, which are the second-most commonly used method of contraception in the United States. Proponents say making the birth control pill available over-the-counter would lower teen pregnancy rates, provide contraceptive access to medically underserved women, and ease access to a health-improving drug with decades of safe use. Opponents say making the Pill over-the-counter would raise the cost of contraception for women, pose a danger to teens’ and women’s health by removing the doctor’s visit requirement, and limit what options are made available.

Our new website presents the top pro & con arguments and quotes, a history of the debate, a video gallery, the prescription status of birth control pills around the world, and a list of drugs switched from prescription to OTC status.

Researcher Wanted at Educational Nonprofit ProCon.org
1/17/2019 -

ProCon.org, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity,
seeks an in-house Researcher (full-time with benefits or part-time
without benefits) to develop content for websites devoted to a
nonpartisan in-depth presentation of 70+ controversial issues. Three
items are required for application, as specified in the job notice.

50 Lesson Plan Ideas Using ProCon.org
7/16/2018 -

We’re excited to announce 50 free lesson plan ideas for educators! Visit our Teachers’ Corner for inspiration, including lessons plans about distinguishing fact from opinion, how to write a “call-to-action” letter, and content from our partner Credo Reference.