MILWAUKEE — Back in April, Hayat Pharmacies across Wisconsin received their first shipments of the Opill — an FDA approved, daily oral contraceptive.

It’s readily available without a prescription.  

What You Need To Know

  • Hayat Pharmacy said there has been an influx of customers purchasing over-the-counter birth control pills since the election earlier this month

  • Dr. Hashim Zaibak, pharmacist and CEO of Hayat Pharmacy, said to not panic and asked customers to not start purchasing an excessive amount of contraceptives

  • According to the Associated Press, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he “has never and will never” advocate for restricting birth control and other contraceptives

“People who don’t have easy access to a doctor, they just buy it over the counter,” said Dr. Hashim Zaibak, pharmacist and CEO of Hayat Pharmacy. “It’s definitely more convenient for some of the ladies.” 

He said there has been an influx of customers purchasing the over-the-counter birth control pill since the election earlier this month.

“Some people buy it and some people just ask if there is going to be a change,” Zaibak said. “We just tell them there’s no change; it’s still available. People panic and sometimes they’re worried. They like the convenience of having it over-the-counter and they worry it’s not going to be available over-the-counter.” 

Zaibak said customers have been asking questions about what the future looks like for over-the-counter birth control once President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. 

“‘Is it still going to be available after the 20th of January?’ ‘Is there any movement here in Wisconsin to take it off the shelf?’ ‘Is it going to be available with a prescription later?’ Obviously, we don’t have a crystal ball,” Zaibak said. “We don’t know what is going to happen after the 20th of January.”

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it has received the same questions. President and CEO Tanya Atkinson said its mission is to ensure birth control stays accessible, along with other reproductive rights. 

“It’s important that people take the time and talk to a provider and find the health care that you need,” Atkinson said. “If you want to have contraception, communicate with a provider. Find the contraception that is right for you.” 

According to the Associated Press, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he “has never and will never” advocate for restricting birth control and other contraceptives.   

Currently, Zaibak said there’s been no word on anything changing at his pharmacies. He said to not panic and asked customers to not start purchasing an excessive amount of contraceptives. 

“There’s no need to do it now,” Zaibak said. “The wholesalers have a lot of it. The pharmacies have a lot of it.” 

He said it’s important for customers to continue to ask questions on anything related to contraceptives, to ensure everyone gets the right care. 

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