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Literature Review 8 recently been modified; the current recommendation is for most women between the ages of 21 and 65 to have a Pap smear every three years, rather than every year (Cervical Cancer, 2012). Further, although these exams are important, research indicates they are not related to determining whether a woman is a good candidate for hormonal contraceptives (Landau et al., 2006). Other concerns the provider-patient relationship; research shows that women place a high value on the medical services they receive at a clinic (Potter et al., 2010). By requiring women to visit a clinician before they can obtain birth control pills, women are informed of potential risk and are typically given a lecture on pill safety. This is especially important for first time users, women with certain health conditions, and minors. However, this role could be played by a pharmacist, who can conduct risk screenings and answer women’s questions. Research has shown that 97% of women feel comfortable asking pharmacists about any prescription questions they have (Gardner, 2010). Further, domestic studies have shown that women are able to self-screen and evaluate whether they are a good candidate for hormonal contraception (McIntosh et al., 2011). This study found that after taking a self-screening questionnaire, women were better able to find contraindications to birth control than their providers (ibid). Further, foreign studies have shown that women are able to self-screen identically to nurses when identifying health issues that could cause contradictions (Grindlay, 2013). CONCLUSION High rates of unintended pregnancy nationally are even higher among low-income and poorly educated women. Financial resources and other barriers, like the requirement for a prescription, limit these women’s ability to access contraceptives that would provide increased autonomy over their fertility. Authority over the size of one’s family leads to increased control of education, workforce participation, and earning potential, all factors that can help break cycles of poverty. While contact with a clinician does facilitate the administration of preventive screenings, healthcare professionals only recommend women receive a Pap smear every 3 years, and current research suggests birth control pills are safe to be available for purchase over the counter. So long as over the counter birth control remains affordable, policy change that allows the medication to be accessed in that fashion has the potential to increase access to oral contraceptives and the positive health outcomes associated with them.