Arizona governor greenlights over-the-counter birth control

Arizonan’s 18 and older will soon be able to go to their local pharmacy and purchase contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription.

Hobbs, in announcing the move on Thursday, called reproductive freedom essential to individuals and families “working hard to create a life for themselves in Arizona.”

“I will never stop fighting to protect freedoms for Arizonans and standing up to the extremists who threaten access to the basic healthcare our families rely on,” Hobbs said.

The order goes into effect immediately, but those wanting contraceptives will have to complete a screening and blood pressure test. Hobbs also encouraged Arizonans to call their pharmacy ahead to make sure the contraceptives are available.

Birth control medication is already available over-the-counter in Oregon, California and Washington D.C. Over 20 states have statutes that allow pharmacies to dispense FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives without the need for a prescription, per a statement from the Arizona Department of Health Services.