Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently weighed in on the issue of birth control, which she suggested should be “over-the-counter.”
The controversial congresswoman also stated her belief that birth control “should be free, too,” drawing bipartisan scrutiny from social media commenters.
(It should be free, too – like in the UK!)
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 7, 2019
A variety of conservative and liberal commenters took to social media to state their disapproval of AOC’s remarks.
Many pointed out that Republicans initially attempted this during 2014, while others explained that birth control medication can be dangerous, if not prescribed by a professional.
Republicans proposed this. Planned Parenthood said no. 🗣 https://t.co/F4bV6XDHpq
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) June 7, 2019
“It should be free,” says the person who doesn’t understand economics pic.twitter.com/kIViEwpdgW
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) June 7, 2019
Birth control should 100% not be over the counter. Messing with hormones is dangerous and it should be prescribed by a licensed physician.
— Brenna Spencer (@BrennaSpencer) June 7, 2019
Hola Alexandria. Technically, birth control is already OTC (ex: condoms). But if you’re referring to OCP, I think it’s best to make those “behind the counter”, meaning no Rx needed but discussion with pharmacist required because of potential serious side effects in certain women.
— Ed (@Rx_Ed) June 7, 2019
Rs have been saying this for a while! Let’s do it!
— Courtney Shadegg (@CShadegg) June 7, 2019
AOC I love you but hormonal contraceptive pills really should be prescribed by a licensed physician given the risks associated with taking them if you have certain pre-existing conditions!! It should be cheap and easy to access though!!
— Doctors without filters (@NoFilterDr) June 7, 2019
Depends on what type of birth control you’re talking about… Oral contraceptives should not be over the counter. There are potential side effects that need to be monitored by your doctor.
— Lisa (@IamaSamFan) June 7, 2019
Def not getting my IUD over the counter.
— StacyPennock (@sgpennock) June 7, 2019
I respectfully disagree. The risk of DVT, PE, and other potentially fatal side side effects should be monitored by an MD or NP.
— Bird (@birdrn10) June 7, 2019