Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8083
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-04-13T19:39:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act" (H.R. 8083) aims to make certain oral contraceptive drugs available over-the-counter (OTC)—meaning without a prescription—for adults aged 18 and older, while excluding emergency contraceptives and abortion drugs. It also requires a study on federal spending related to contraceptives.

Key Provisions

Priority FDA Review (Sec. 2):
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must prioritize review of supplemental drug applications for oral contraceptives intended for routine use (daily birth control, not emergency or abortion-related).
Waives FDA user fees for these applications.
If approved, these drugs become OTC for individuals 18 and older; under 18, they remain prescription-only.
Applies to applications submitted before or after the bill's enactment, including pending ones.

GAO Study and Report (Sec. 3):
The Comptroller General (head of the Government Accountability Office, or GAO) must study federal funding for contraception over the past 15 years.
Covers funding for reimbursement, inventory stocking, provider training, and patient education across programs like:
Medicare and Medicaid.
Indian Health Service.
ACA Health Insurance Exchanges.
Federally-qualified health centers.
Title X family planning program.
TANF (welfare for needy families).
TRICARE (military health care).
Report due to Congress within 1 year of enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

FDA Process Changes: Introduces priority review and fee waivers for specific OTC switches under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act—previously, such decisions were at FDA's discretion without mandated speed or exemptions.
Age-Based Access: Creates a new distinction where approved routine oral contraceptives are OTC for adults but prescription-only for minors, overriding general OTC rules for those under 18.
No Changes to Emergency/Abortion Drugs: Explicitly excludes them from OTC eligibility.

Potential Impacts

Citizens: Greater convenience and access to routine birth control pills for women 18+ (no doctor visit needed), potentially reducing unintended pregnancies and health care costs; minors still need prescriptions.
Government Agencies: FDA/HHS faces accelerated reviews and administrative burden; GAO conducts a comprehensive spending audit, which could influence future budgets.
Pharmaceutical Companies: Faster path to OTC sales with no fees, likely boosting market access and profits.
No Direct International Impact: Focuses on U.S. domestic health policy and funding.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Women and Patients: Primary beneficiaries for easier access to routine contraceptives.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers: Eligible to submit prioritized applications for OTC approval.
HHS/FDA: Must implement priority reviews and fee waivers.
GAO and Congress: GAO performs study; Congress receives report for oversight.
Health Providers and Programs: Affected by potential shifts in prescription patterns and funding scrutiny (e.g., Medicaid, Title X clinics, military health).
Minors Under 18: Restricted access compared to adults.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on existing FDA authority but mandates procedural changes (priority review, fees), potentially streamlining approvals while maintaining safety standards via routine-use limits.
Constitutional: No apparent challenges; aligns with Congress's commerce and spending powers over drugs and federal programs.
Political: Promotes contraception access amid debates on reproductive health; GAO study could highlight spending trends, informing fiscal policy without mandating changes. Neutral on abortion/emergency options to avoid controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]

Recent Actions

2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-25: Introduced in House
2026-03-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)