Today, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill – the first-ever daily oral contraceptive approved in the U.S. to prevent pregnancy without a prescription. Perrigo, which sought FDA approval for an over-the-counter version last summer after the Supreme Court's ruling the overturned Roe v. Wade, expects to start shipping the mini pill early next year.

In May, Ireland-based Perrigo, a leading provider of consumer self-care products, gained a key recommendation from U.S. regulatory advisors, which paved the way for Opill to get clearance to be sold without a prescription. The FDA is not required to follow the advisers' recommendations, but often does.

The American Medical Association and the leading professional society for obstetricians and gynecologists backed Opill's application for over-the-counter status.