Understanding pharmacists’ role in contraceptive access

As the reproductive health landscape continues to evolve, access to contraception and prescriptions for contraception are increasingly critical tools for preventing unplanned pregnancies. In some states, pharmacists at retail pharmacies can play a critical role in contraceptive access by providing counseling and prescriptions for some birth control methods.

Featuring: Dr. Mollie Scott, a pharmacist, the regional associate dean of the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Chair of the Department of Pharmacotherapy at Mountain Area Health Education Center.

In today’s episode, we’ll cover

• The role pharmacists play in prescribing and medication management
• Policies and regulations for pharmacists’ prescribing
• The benefits and drawbacks of pharmacists prescribing contraception
• Advocacy tips for pharmacists hoping to change contraception prescribing laws in their state

And more!

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Note: The Healthcare Strategies team will be on break for 12/30/24, but make sure to tune in for our first episode of the new year (publishing 1/6/25) where we cover major trends for 2025!

 

Resources:

Clinical Pharmacists Are a Major Contributor to Quality Patient Care

 

Understanding the widespread impacts of pharmacy deserts

 

Limited Access to Female Contraceptives: A Public Health Crisis

 

Assessing the Expected Impacts of OTC Hormonal Birth Control Pills