Opill® extends mission of breaking down birth control barriers with launch of multi-state college tour and expansion of partnerships

Rhea-AI Summary

Opill®, the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S., announced a major educational initiative including a multi-state college tour and expanded partnership with the WNBA. The initiative, called Level The Court, is developed in collaboration with the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) to improve reproductive health education and access.

The college tour will visit 15 institutions, prioritizing states with restrictive reproductive health laws, including Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, and Arkansas. The University of South Carolina will host a WNBA event on February 25, 2025. The initiative includes the establishment of the BWHI Opill® Access Fund, providing three-month supplies to Black women facing challenges.

Stand-up comedian Hannah Berner joins the campaign to promote awareness about over-the-counter birth control options. The program targets nearly six million students in states with reproductive restrictions, featuring campus events, player appearances, and educational resources.

Positive

• First and only FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S. market
• Strategic partnership with WNBA and BWHI expands market reach
• Targeted marketing campaign reaching 6 million students in key markets

Negative

• None.

--WNBA and Opill^® continue partnership with Level The Court initiative--

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Opill^®— the first and only daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the U.S. —launched an educational college campus tour and the next phase of its multiyear partnership with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) with a goal of expanding reproductive health education and access to birth control resources.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/perrigo/9316851-en-opill-extends-mission-of-breaking-down-birth-control-barriers

• Opill^® and the WNBA, in partnership with the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), introduce Level The Court, a new initiative designed to educate Black women about their reproductive options and build health equity for this underserved population.
• Beginning in Florida, a multi-state campus tour will launch with visits planned at 15 colleges and universities, including a stop at The University of South Carolina for The WNBA on Campus Presented by Opill^® event on February 25, 2025.
• Stand-up comedian and podcast host Hannah Berner has been added to the growing list of talent working with Opill^®.

"It is more important now than ever to educate about reproductive health and contraception options," said Leila Bahbah, Perrigo U.S. Women's Health Brand Lead. "Opill^® is committed to having those conversations and has brought together an amazing team to create a series of programs to help people understand their choices, and to provide information about Opill^® both online and on campus."

Because of the crucial need to reach communities whose need for reproductive health resources is especially high, Opill^®, the WNBA and BWHI have developed Level The Court –an initiative designed to build confidence, strength and health equity for Black women and girls. A dedicated webpage launched today on WNBA.com, with personal stories, answers to common reproductive health questions, and ways to access Opill^® for low or no cost — all with the goal of empowering fans to determine their own sexual health journey.

"For decades, Black women have disproportionately faced barriers to accessing safe and effective reproductive health services," said Zsanai Epps, DrPH, MPH, CHES, Senior Director, Reproductive Health Initiatives at BWHI. "One way this partnership will Level The Court is by establishing the BWHI Opill^® Access Fund to provide a three-month supply of Opill^® to Black women facing temporary challenges."

As part of Level The Court, the WNBA will work alongside Opill^® and BWHI to deliver four events at HBCUs throughout the spring.

"It is important to the WNBA that we bring Level The Court to life," said Colie Edison, Chief Growth Officer. "We look forward to having WNBA players engaging with the communities where they work and play as we continue to build our brand in line with a commitment to supporting reproductive rights." 

Comedian and Giggly Squad host Hannah Berner joins team Opill^® and will be on campus in Miami on Wednesday, February 5th. She will meet with students and talk about birth control and share why it is important to her. "I joined this team because I have had to scramble to get prescription birth control," she said. "I want everyone to know that there is safe and effective over-the-counter birth control option in Opill^®, so I'm going back to college!"

Opill^® is prioritizing colleges and universities in states with the most restrictive reproductive health laws. It will include stops at campuses ranging from community colleges to large universities, with a focus on reaching some of the nearly six million students currently pursuing a degree in states with reproductive restrictions, including campuses in Texas, Tennessee, Indiana and Arkansas.

Additionally, The University of South Carolina will host WNBA on Campus presented by Opill^® on February 25th outside of the Russell House on Green Street. This event will include numerous W-themed activations that will engage students and generate fandom for the league. Activations will include player appearances, giveaways, DJ, photo ops, games and more.

These initiatives and college stops will continue throughout the spring semester. For more information and to learn about specific event locations, follow @Opill_OTC on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X and visit WNBA.com/LevelTheCourt. 

About Opill^®
Opill^® is the first and only over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States. It is a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive that's safe and effective when used as directed to help prevent pregnancy. Do not use Opill^® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill^® Drug Facts label for list of warnings. Opill^® is not an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill) and won't prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex. It also doesn't protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For more information, please visit www.Opill.com or follow @Opill_OTC on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads and X.

About Perrigo
Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), is a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products and over the counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. Visit Perrigo online at www.perrigo.com.

About WNBA
Tipping off its 29th season in 2025, the WNBA celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.  The league was ranked by Morning Consult as the fastest-growing brand in 2024, setting records for engagement on social and digital platforms, attendance, merchandise sales and unique viewers across its television partners.  The WNBA's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social responsibility is supported by the first-of-its-kind WNBA Changemakers Collective, a group of purpose-driven companies that have partnered with the WNBA to enhance the player experience and help drive the league's business transformation. 

About BWHI
The Black Women's Health Imperative is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Black women and girls. With a 40-year history of groundbreaking advocacy and research, BWHI remains committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Black women and ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare policy and practice.

Media Contact
Opil^l®: press@Opill.com
WNBA: Sam Tager, stager@nba.com
BWHI:  media@BWHI.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opill-extends-mission-of-breaking-down-birth-control-barriers-with-launch-of-multi-state-college-tour-and-expansion-of-partnerships-302367658.html

SOURCE Perrigo Company plc

FAQ

What is the Level The Court initiative launched by Opill (PRGO) and WNBA?

Level The Court is an initiative launched by Opill and WNBA, in partnership with BWHI, designed to educate Black women about reproductive options and build health equity through educational programs, resources, and access to birth control.

How many colleges will Opill's (PRGO) campus tour visit in 2025?

Opill's college campus tour will visit 15 colleges and universities, focusing on states with restrictive reproductive health laws, including Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, and Arkansas.

What is the BWHI Opill Access Fund announced by Perrigo (PRGO)?

The BWHI Opill Access Fund is a program that provides a three-month supply of Opill to Black women facing temporary challenges in accessing birth control.

When will the WNBA on Campus event presented by Opill (PRGO) take place at the University of South Carolina?

The WNBA on Campus event presented by Opill will take place at the University of South Carolina on February 25, 2025, featuring player appearances, giveaways, and various activities.