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Cadence, an Oakland-based health company, has launched an initiative to make emergency contraception more accessible by placing the Morning After Pill in gas stations, corner stores, and 24-hour convenience shops across the United States. Since its debut in March 2024, the product is now available in 11,000 locations across 48 states, with only South Dakota and Hawaii lacking representation.
The Morning After Pill, which contains levonorgestrel, is designed to delay ovulation when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It is important to note that this emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not impact long-term fertility, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, a recent poll indicated that many women remain uncertain about its legality, particularly in states where abortion has been restricted.
Cadence aims to normalize access to emergency contraception by placing it in areas where consumers are accustomed to purchasing other essentials, such as condoms. With one-third of all condoms sold in convenience stores, the company seeks to bridge a gap in reproductive healthcare options available at these locations, which have traditionally offered minimal healthcare products apart from tampons and pregnancy tests.
The push for wider availability of the Morning After Pill comes at a crucial time, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn federal abortion protections in 2022. This ruling led to the closure of many clinics that previously provided both abortion and birth control services, creating a demand for immediate access to contraception, particularly for marginalized groups.
Cadence is also pursuing FDA approval for a regular over-the-counter birth control pill, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to reproductive healthcare amidst ongoing political and legal challenges. Despite the medical community’s consensus and FDA backing, emergency contraception continues to face misinformation and stigma, often mischaracterized as an abortifacient by some advocacy groups.
By placing the Morning After Pill alongside everyday items like gum and granola bars, Cadence is taking a significant step toward enhancing reproductive equity and ensuring that individuals have the healthcare tools they need readily available. This initiative reflects a growing public demand for accessible reproductive healthcare options, particularly during emergencies.
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