Access to Birth Control Now law of the land in Oregon

Posted: 05/30/2007

Access to Birth Control now law of the land in Oregon

Advocates celebrate equitable insurance coverage for contraception

Salem OR- Today Governor Kulongoski signed HB 2700: The Access to Birth Control Act into law. The Pro-Choice Coalition of Oregon -- a statewide reproductive rights coalition that includes NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, Planned Parenthood, ACLU of Oregon, the American Association of University Women and more than 20 other organizations -- celebrated a victory fourteen years in the making.

“Promoting common sense, Prevention First policy like the Access to Birth Control Act is protecting women’s reproductive freedom. Today is a great day because Oregon women will now have fair and equitable insurance coverage for a basic health care need,” states Michele Stranger Hunter, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, “and providing access to EC in the ER for victims of sexual assault is just common sense. Survivors of sexual assault deserve the best medical care, which includes preventing an unwanted pregnancy from such a traumatic experience.”

In 1993, Oregon was one of the first states to introduce contraceptive equity legislation. Today, Oregon joins 26 other states in requiring equitable insurance coverage for contraception. In addition, HB 2700: the Access to Birth Control Act will require all hospital emergency rooms in Oregon to offer emergency contraception (EC) to survivors of sexual assault. Oregon joins 8 other states in ensuring comprehensive care for sexual assault survivors.   

Access to birth control is essential to women and families because it allows them to plan for their children.  National studies show that half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended.  Women, on average, spend over $500 out of pocket each year on birth control supplies. 

The ABC Act will also ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms. According to statistics cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: One in six women (17%) reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives. EC offers a safe, effective and humane option for sexual assault victims.

“This is an issue of fairness. Birth control should be covered by insurance plans just like other medications prescribed by a doctor.  It is about time we changed outdated policies that deny women access to basic health care,” David Greenberg, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette.

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©NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon

©NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon