State lawmakers propose bill making it easier for people to get contraceptives

State Sen. Ryan Fazio says the bill is about improving access and giving people more choices over their health care decisions while reducing costs.

News 12 Staff

Feb 9, 2023, 12:55 AM

Updated 603 days ago

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Lawmakers are working to make it easier for people to get contraceptives. A bill proposed by two Republican state senators would allow pharmacists throughout the state to prescribe birth control to customers without a prescription from a doctor.
The proposed bill has bipartisan support with only three representatives voting against it.
State Sen. Ryan Fazio says the bill is about improving access and giving people more choices over their health care decisions while reducing costs.
He says more than 20 states in the country have already implemented this with much success.
Tim Harvey is the Pharmacy Manager at Grieb's in Darien. He says increasing the accessibility of the over 60 birth control pills they have in stock would be beneficial.
He adds that the morning after pill has been accessible for years over the counter at pharmacies, so expanding access of contraceptives would be even more beneficial.
"I think it would be a great thing. It can be very difficult to get a doctor's appointment. Anytime you can reduce barriers and make things easier for women that would be incredible," said Harvey.
Next steps include the bill having a public hearing and Fazio says he believes that will happen within the next month.