As a retired RN and CGNP I feel that birth control pills carry a huge risk for some individuals. Since when does Sen. Cruz and AOC know enough about the risks involved with taking birth control pills.

A Medical Professional needs to evaluate the person seeking the drug to see if they are healthy enough to take the drug.

Having the pill to use is only part of the health care package. A doctor or clinical nurse needs to check the health before, during, and after the pill.

Not OTC, birth control pills can do strange things to your body and you should be under A DOCTOR'S CARE TO MONITOR the use. On the other hand ORC would definitely be a help to insurance companies and employers. There wouldn't be all the legal issues of who has to make the birth control available to their employees, etc. Very controversial

issue. I am pass child bearing years, however, the issue concerns me reference my grand daughters and other young girls.

Birth Control pills are dangerous for some people and are not as effective as some people think. "Typical Use" is 91% effective. They should be controlled and people can use methods that do not carry serious potential side effects.

Assuming the “birth control” type you refer to is the pill, I would vote no . Too dangerous to be placed over the counter without a doctor’s exam and prescription

I wish the birth control pill could be available OTC for those who are healthy and need it but lack of health insurance.

Imagine how this could prevent so many abortions.

Unfortunately, not all women have a health care plan with access to a health professional.

Isn't the better question, "What can WE do to help these women get birth control as part of their health care?"

Birth control can be dangerous to some women. It should only be available with a doctor's prescription!

I voted not sure because the question did not specify what kind of birth control.

Obviously, certain kinds of birth control pose health risks and should definitely be prescribed by a physician after a medical evaluation and history. Proper instruction is also necessary.

Chemical birth control pills are often an early abortifacient. Natural Family Planning for married couples. Chastity for others. Good advice.

Totally agree with Jennifer's comment......she has the better question to ask! However, let's not be going down the road of Medicare type coverage for all to solve this issue , as I'm sure Cortez would advocate.

I would ask......Is there anything worse ( whatever the reason) for both Mother and child than a baby that's not wanted? RELIABLE Family Planning should be paramount and the means to accomplish it readily and safely available. All of society becomes the beneficiary. So, Senator, work on it intelligently!

Yes, family planning is very important. To Ms. Shillock - anything worse than a baby that is not wanted? Really? It is important to remember that an unplanned pregnancy is not the gloom and doom end of the world. Expand your heart, your thinking and all the possibilities of life for that precious baby in the womb. There are parents who can’t conceive who desperately want a new baby to love. That baby can be put up for adoption and it can experience a lifetime of love from its adopting parents, bringing them great joy.

I do not agree with this