Pharmacist interest in and attitudes toward direct pharmacy access to hormonal contraception in the United States.

Objectives: To assess pharmacist interest, comfort level, and perceived barriers regarding providing pharmacist-initiated access to hormonal contraceptives (i.e., tablets, patches, rings, injectables, emergency contraception [EC]).

Birth control within reach: a national survey on women's attitudes toward and interest in pharmacy access to hormonal contraception.

Objective: This survey was conducted to better understand women's experiences with hormonal contraception and their interest in and attitudes toward gaining direct access to oral contraception (OC), patch, ring or emergency contraception (EC) in pharmacies.

Method: A nationally representative telephone survey of 811 women aged 18-44 years who were at risk for unintended pregnancy was conducted in the United States.

Results: It was found that 68% of women in the United States said they would use pharmacy access to OC, patch, ring and/or EC.

Pharmacy access to emergency contraception in California.

Context: California is one of eight states that allow a woman to obtain emergency contraceptives from a pharmacy without a physician prescription. Because many women do not know about emergency contraception or direct pharmacy access, it is important to understand barriers to getting the method and women's reasons for choosing the pharmacy option.

Methods: In a 2004 survey at 25 predominantly independent pharmacies across California that offered pharmacy access, 426 women completed questionnaires after obtaining emergency contraceptives.