TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Under newly implemented legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last year, pharmacies can now provide hormonal contraceptives over the counter without a prescription. The statewide standing order was issued this week.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston, who signed the order, says the American Medical Association and physicians in general have discussed how important access to the medication is. They say it’s generally safe when used appropriately.
“Since 2022, the American Medical Association has advocated for over the counter contraceptive access,” said Baston, “and so I think it's just a really great move that New Jersey as a state is listening to that and understanding, and that I was able to write the standing order.”
Although the order takes effect immediately, all pharmacies are not quite ready to dispense. Pharmacists must first complete a four-hour training program on patient screening, the selection of a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, and patient counseling. They can follow the clinical protocol with patients to let them know which medication is safe for them to choose.
“If they have certain contraindications or medical conditions that would make hormonal contraceptives unsafe, they would refer them to a clinician, a physician or advanced practitioner or other prescriber, who could then go through other options,” Baston explained.
Baston says the most commonly cited reason for stopping or irregularly taking hormonal contraceptives is access to care, “not having access to getting a new prescription or not having access to getting the prescription or the medication in the first place,” she said.
“This allows people to have that access and allows people to make that choice for their own bodies.”
Murphy says it’s part of his administration’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights in the Garden State. “As we witness an attack on reproductive freedom across the country,” he said in a statement, “New Jersey will continue to be a safe haven for women to access the care they need.”