House subcommittee unanimously approves 12-month supply of birth control legislation
Mar 8, 2017
House subcommittee unanimously approves 12-month supply of birth control legislation
(Columbia, SC) Today, the House of Representatives’ 3-M (Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs) Health and Environmental Affairs subcommittee unanimously approved legislation (H.3809) that would require insurance providers cover a 12-month supply of prescribed self-administered contraceptives – such as the ring, the patch and oral contraceptives – at one time. It must now go before the full 3-M committee for a vote.
“Greater control over childbearing reduces rates of unintended pregnancies; contributes to healthier pregnancies; and increases the opportunities that women have to pursue education and advance their careers,” said Ann Warner, CEO of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN). “While the benefits of contraception are numerous, the barriers to the consistent usage are also numerous. Women who lack reliable transportation, live in rural areas, or have complicated schedules face significant barriers to dependable birth control access. H.3809 will help alleviate many of these barriers, simply by allowing women to receive a year’s supply of contraceptives at one time.”
###