Birth control pills have been around for 50 years with a prescription. Now it's time to offer them over-the-counter.

The pill is as safer or safer than most OTC medications already out there. And getting a prescription is little more than an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy: Sexually active or planning to be? Don't want to be pregnant? Take the prescription and be on your way.

Since hormonal birth control has to be taken regularly to be effective, providing easier access to the pill could significantly improve women's ability to practice safe sex, decreasing the rate of unwanted pregnancy.

Besides opposition from those who want to control women's bodies and sexuality, there is little reason to deny the pill OTC status.

Tell the FDA that it's time to offer the pill over-the-counter.