Access to Birth Control Act?It’s as simple as ABC

Ensuring Access Overall

The ABC Act will protect Oregonians from unreasonable government intrusions into their private lives and protect the right of consenting individuals to obtain and use FDA approved methods of contraception without interference by governmental entities.

Access to Prescription Birth Control in Insurance Coverage

The ABC Act would prohibit discrimination against women related to prescription drug coverage by requiring health insurers to cover prescription birth control in a manner consistent with other prescription coverage.

Birth control is essential to women and families because it allows parents to plan for their children.  Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and more than half of these pregnancies end in abortion. Contraceptives have a proven track record of enhancing the health of women, preventing unintended pregnancy, and reducing the need for abortion. Yet, the most effective forms of birth control are not accessible to many women.

Health Plans Lack Adequate Coverage

Nearly half of all indemnity health insurance plans provide no coverage for prescription birth control – even when there is coverage for other medications. A 2000 survey of employers conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 13% of workers enrolled in HMOs and 40% of workers enrolled in conventional health plans did not cover the pill.[1] Women on average spend $573 of their own money each year on birth control. 

Birth Control is Cost Effective

While many plans do not cover contraceptives, they routinely cover the costs of sterilizations and tubal ligations, which are more expensive procedures.  According to a study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), adding coverage for the full range of prescription birth control would cost roughly $1.43 per employee per month.[2]

Discrimination is Liability for Employers

Providing contraceptive coverage is becoming a legal necessity for businesses. In December 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that employees who are denied insurance coverage for birth control are being discriminated against on the basis of gender.   

Access to EC in the ER

The ABC Act would ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms. Almost 1 and 5 women report having been the victim of rape or attempted rape. EC offers a safe, effective and humane option for sexual assault victims.

Emergency contraception (ECPs) can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. These hormones are the same as those used in common birth control pills though at different dosage levels. And, when used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, ECPs were found to reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent.[3] When taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, they were found to reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95 percent.[4]

Legislative Solutions

Twenty-six states already require insurers that cover prescription drugs to also include coverage for prescription birth control. Eight states have passed EC in the ER laws.  Oregon lags in coverage for birth control and now is the time to update Oregon’s law.