Georgia
New State Contraception Access Laws Expand Across Several States
The Trump administration has rolled back teen pregnancy prevention grants and repurposed a program designed to reduce unintended pregnancies so that it promotes childbearing. But several states, including Republican-led ones, have protected or expanded access to contraception in recent months.…
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Key points
- Multiple states are enhancing access to contraception amidst changing federal policies.
- Georgia’s new law allows pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives directly.
- Tennessee mandates coverage for a yearlong supply of birth control by private health plans.
NewsWK — Several states, including those led by Republican officials, have recently enacted laws to enhance access to contraception. These legislative changes come amidst a backdrop of federal policy adjustments that have shifted focus away from preventing teen pregnancies.
Birth Control Access Laws by State
Georgia Pharmacist Birth Control Law
In Georgia, Representative Beth Camp, a Republican, introduced a bill aimed at improving contraceptive access after her daughter experienced a significant delay in renewing her birth control prescription. This legislation, which was passed in April and signed by Governor Brian Kemp in May, allows pharmacists to prescribe various contraceptive methods directly to patients, bypassing the need for a doctor’s signature. Camp noted, “In our state, we have such a challenge with access for medical professionals. This is just really, to me, opening up a whole new stream of opportunities for women to be able to access contraception.”
Maryland has also taken steps to improve contraceptive access. Governor Wes Moore signed a measure in May mandating that public higher education institutions and community colleges report annually on contraception access. This law aims to ensure students have access to all forms of over-the-counter contraception.
Tennessee Birth Control Supply Law
In Tennessee, bipartisan legislation was signed by Governor Bill Lee in March, requiring private health care plans to cover a yearlong supply of birth control. This measure complements the existing provision under the state’s Medicaid program, TennCare, which already covers a 12-month supply. The new law is set to come into effect on July 1, 2027.
State Right to Contraception Laws
Virginia‘s Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, also signed two significant laws in April that establish the right to contraception and allow individuals to sue for violations of that right. Additionally, these laws require health insurance companies to cover both prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives without cost-sharing.
Based on reporting by Sofia Resnick originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
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