The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said this week that if women had greater access to over-the-counter birth control pills, it could reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in the United States.

Although the ACOG noted that the pills have the potential to increase the risk of blood clots in some women, they believe the benefits of taking the drugs outweigh the risks, reported My Health News Daily.

North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Jill Rabin said she agrees with the ACOG. "There are many medications over the counter with side effects," Rabin stated. "People have to really read [the label] to see whether or not this medication that is appropriate for them."

Rabin also thinks that women should talk to their their doctor about which birth control pills are best for them.

The rate of unplanned pregnancies in the U.S. appears to have not changed in the last 20 years. My Health notes that nearly half of U.S. pregnancies are “unintended.”