Support Contraceptive Dispensing in Clinics

Support Contraceptive Dispensing in Clinics!

HB 118 (Henry, D-Missoula) is a very simple bill which essentially "cleans up" Montana statute. The bill simply allows Registered Nurses the ability to dispense ALL forms of contraception at family planning clinics. Currently nurses are only able to legally dispense oral contraception. Women in Montana utilize far more than just oral contraception: the patch, the ring, are becoming more common.

Please Contact Your Representative to support this bill!

1. You may call the Capitol to leave a message urging your Representative to support this bill: 406-444-4800

2. Use the template on the right to send a mesage to your Representative.

3. Use a template from Montana Legislative Services. Click here.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Please Support HB 118

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

In 2006, Montana's Family Planning Clinics saw nearly 30,000 women and men. These people need easy access to the full range of contraceptive supplies. Please support HB 118 which will give Montana's women the much needed access to these services.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 07, 2007

Background Information

Nearly 30,000 men and women were served in 2006 by Montana's 15 family planning clinics in 29 communities. 70% of these people were at or below 150% of the poverty level but only 5% were served by Medicaid: an indication that thousands of people in this state are without much-needed health insurance.

Contraception is incredibly important to women and couples in planning their family so that they can have the number of children they desire. Family planning improves pregnancy outcomes by reducing low birth weight babies, infant mortality, and maternal deaths.

Contraception saves the taxpayers money. For every $1 invested in family planning, $3 are saved in just Medicaid costs for pregnancy-related health care and medical care of newborns.

Although the Pill is the most popular form of birth control, it is by no means the only form. The patch and the ring are both options that are available with a prescription at family planning clinics. We just need to ensure that ALL women in Montana have easy access to the full range of contraceptive services.