Advocates demand FC2 manufacturer put people before profits
More than 200 HIV/STI prevention, reproductive health, public health, provider organizations, and advocates sent FC2 manufacturer, Veru Healthcare, a letter today expressing outrage over the company’s new FC2 pricing, marketing, and distribution practices. The FC2 is the only FDA approved receptive-partner initiated tool that protects against HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy. Veru’s decision to end over-the-counter (OTC) sales of the FC2 exacerbates the existing and significant barriers to accessing this tool, which include lack of awareness and comfort among consumers and providers, high product cost, and limited access points for individuals who need the FC2 most.
The advocates’ letter urged Veru to:
- Price the FC2 at a level that is accessible to people who are most vulnerable to HIV and STIs.
- Make the FC2 available over the counter.
- Invest in community engagement, consumer education, social service and clinical provider training, social marketing, and meaningful collaboration with diverse partners who support public health.
- Use positive, affirming messaging and images to educate and increase FC2 uptake among populations disproportionately impacted by HIV and STIs.
- Clearly communicate to the HIV, STI, reproductive health, and public health sectors Veru’s implementation timeline for ensuring timely and affordable FC2 access among populations who are HIV/STI vulnerable, low-income, uninsured/under-insured, and lack access to a health care provider.
- Outline Veru’s plan to ensure FC2 access if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid are undercut.
The National Female Condom Coalition thanks the more than 200 U.S. and international organizations and advocate leaders for telling Veru Healthcare to stop restricting access to the FC2 and that the company has a responsibility to promote the health and prevention for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and STIs.