Reproductive rights advocates say he might have ulterior motives . In trying to understand why a staunch conservative would push for OTC birth control, it's important to remember that the 2010 passage of the ACA — which Republicans are continuously trying to dismantle — required insurance companies to fully cover a number of preventative medications, which included essentially making birth control free for all Americans with health insurance. We can see why members of the GOP might favor birth control being available through the free market over the ACA's plan. Also, under the ACA, some employers with personal or religious objections to birth control still have to cover it in their insurance plans — which has been a pain point for Republicans.