Season 242 Episode 8266

S1 E79 - Empowering Choice: Making Birth Control Accessible to All - Samantha Miller - Cadence OTC

"Samantha Miller and Kate Voyten Discuss the Pivotal Role of Cadence OTC In Democratizing Access to Contraceptives Via Over-The-Counter Solutions http://s4g.biz/09may24 AI Episode Summary 1. Introduction to Cadence OTC: The episode begins with Devin introducing Samantha Miller and Kate Voyton from Cadence OTC, a company working to make birth control accessible over-the-counter (OTC) and promoting their crowdfunding campaign. 2. Mission of Cadence OTC: Samantha explains that Cadence OTC, based in Oakland, California, aims to increase access to safe, effective, and affordable contraceptives via over-the-counter availability, addressing a significant market need. 3. Significance of OTC Birth Control: Kate details the process and challenges of moving birth control pills from prescription-only to OTC, emphasizing the huge shift this represents in accessibility and convenience for consumers. 4. FDA Collaboration and Consumer Studies: Samantha describes the extensive process of working with the FDA for over six years, including consumer studies and dealing with regulatory details to ensure consumers understand the product’s safe usage. 5. Market Size and Opportunity: Kate highlights the size of the women's health and reproductive health market, estimating it at around $21 billion, and the continuous need and commercial opportunity for accessible contraception to address unintended pregnancies. 6. Impact on Unintended Pregnancies and Abortions: The conversation shifts to how accessible birth control could reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions, with a focus on giving women and families more control. 7. Discussion on Teenagers and Access: Addressing concerns about teenagers having more access to contraceptives, Samantha emphasizes data showing that contraceptive access doesn't increase sexual activity but can help prevent unintended teen pregnancies. 8. Crowdfunding to Improve Access: Kate discusses the crowdfunding campaign aimed at supporting the mission of making emergency contraceptive pills more accessible in convenience stores, potentially serving as a bridge to making the birth control pill available OTC. 9. Superpowers for Good: Devin asks Samantha and Kate about their ""superpowers"" or unique abilities that have helped them in their mission, touching on perseverance, optimism, and pragmatic problem-solving. 10. Community Influence and Future Steps: The episode ends with a story illustrating community support and the importance of making contraceptives more accessible. Samantha invites listeners to learn more through Cadence OTC's website and their Wefunder campaign, expressing hope for continued success in their mission. http://superpowers4good.com "