Bill Overview
Title: Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act
Description: This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to prioritize review of supplemental applications for over-the counter oral contraceptives that are intended for routine use. It also removes certain limitations in relation to such products and health savings accounts, flexible spending arrangements, and other arrangements (e.g., limitations on the number of items that may be purchased).
Sponsors: Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-1]
Target Audience
Population: People of reproductive age, primarily women, globally
Estimated Size: 72000000
- The bill focuses on making oral contraceptives more accessible, which primarily impacts individuals of childbearing age through increased accessibility to contraceptives.
- Approximately 1.9 billion women globally are of reproductive age, which is typically considered to be 15 to 49 years.
- Oral contraceptives are a common form of birth control used by women worldwide, affecting more than just those currently using them as it concerns access and potential future users.
- This bill could also indirectly impact men and society at large through changes in family planning dynamics and population growth trends.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets women of childbearing age (15-49) and improves access to oral contraceptives. It has indirect effects on men and older populations through family planning.
- Some in the population will see direct changes in their health and financial wellbeing due to increased access and reduced costs associated with contraceptive use.
- Indirect impacts include shifting societal norms related to family planning, potential reductions in unintended pregnancies, and broader socio-economic impacts over time.
- The budget constraints mean the policy may initially have limited reach within its first year, impacting only a fraction of the target population.
- Long-term financial and wellbeing savings might balance out the initial costs as contraceptive-related healthcare costs decrease and population growth is managed effectively.
Simulated Interviews
nurse (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a healthcare worker, I see the importance of empowerment through healthcare choices.
- This policy will make it easier for me to continue my job without worrying about access due to prescriptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
college student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Over-the-counter access is a game changer for students who juggle a lot of responsibilities.
- It will be one less thing to stress about while managing school and work life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
marketing manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's an important policy but it doesn't affect me directly right now.
- Access to birth control should be hassle-free for those who need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
photographer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy that my partner might have easier access.
- It's good for couples to have more control over planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
real estate agent (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This won't directly influence my life.
- It seems positive for younger generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
software engineer (Portland, OR)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited that this might make planning easier.
- Access without prescriptions will reduce my worry about family planning timing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
graphic designer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Costs of healthcare are a burden right now.
- Cheaper and easier access to contraceptives would alleviate some financial stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
high school student (New York, NY)
Age: 16 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to know I'll have options when I'm ready.
- Talks with my parents about these choices are important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
accountant (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy my wife can access what she needs more easily.
- Less bureaucracy in healthcare is always a plus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like that this gives me flexibility before starting a family.
- Saving on costs will help as a teacher with a modest salary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- The implementation of the bill will require coordination with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and retailers to ensure smooth transition and availability of over-the-counter contraceptives.
- Public awareness campaigns will be necessary to educate the population on the effective use and availability of non-prescription contraceptives.
- There is a need to monitor the socioeconomic impacts, particularly in diverse communities, to ensure equitable access and mitigate any potential negative consequences.