Archive · 21 Nov 2025
India Considers Over-The-Counter Sales of Morning-After Pill
India is thinking about letting people buy morning-after pills without a doctor's prescription.
This could help stop unwanted pregnancies, especially among teenagers who can't easily talk to doctors about it.
But the pills will have clear warnings and can't be taken too often.
India may allow morning-after pills to be sold over the counter
This move aims to increase accessibility to emergency contraception
The decision follows a rise in adolescent pregnancies due to early sex and poor contraception awareness
The pill will carry strict warning labels and cannot be taken more than twice a month
Other contraceptive pills will remain prescription-only
- Who
- The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC)
- What
- Proposed allowing over-the-counter sales of levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive pills
- When
- The proposal was put forward to the DCC on an unspecified date in 2025
- Where
- Across India, including at general stores and chemist shops
- Why
- To increase accessibility to emergency contraception and reduce adolescent pregnancies
Proponents of OTC Sales
Opponents of OTC Sales
Accessibility
Proponents of OTC Sales
OTC sales would make emergency contraception more accessible, especially for adolescents
Opponents of OTC Sales
Lack of counselling with OTC sales may lead to misuse or misunderstanding of the pill's effects
- Current adolescent pregnancy rate
- 6.8% of women aged 15-19 (NFHS 5, 2019-21)
- Proposed sale classification
- Schedule K of drug laws, governing OTC sales
- Warning labels
- Strict warning labels on the pack and blister, including HIV/STD non-prevention and monthly usage limit
