New European studies find Over-the-Counter access increases Emergency Contraception use
January 2025. Two studies published in 2023 and 2025 provide the first empirical evidence on the impacts of introducing over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception (EC) in Europe. Both studies find that removing prescription requirements leads to substantial increases in EC use.
A 2023 study by Gregor Pfeifer and Mirjam Stockburger (Journal of Health Economics) shows that prescription-free access to emergency contraceptive pills resulted in a sharp rise in use, driven by the removal of access and timing barriers. The authors find that OTC availability better aligns EC use with women’s contraceptive needs.
Building on this work, a 2025 study by Franz Grünwald and Till Stargardt (European Journal of Health Economics) finds that direct OTC access is associated with significant increases in EC use and measurable demographic and health effects. The authors conclude that easier access improves the responsiveness of contraceptive care.
Together, these studies offer the first Europe-focused evidence that introducing over-the-counter EC increases use and improves access to post-coital contraception.
Read more at:
- Pfeifer, G., & Stockburger, M. (2023). The morning after: Prescription-free access to emergency contraceptive pills. Journal of Health Economics, 91, 102775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102775
- Grünwald, F., & Stargardt, T. (2025). Demographic and health impacts of women’s bodily autonomy: Switching prescription requirements for emergency contraceptives. European Journal of Health Economics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-025-01863-7