Oral and Patch Contraceptives Could Soon be Obtained Without Doctor Visit

Mar 29, 2016 at 09:02 am by bryan


House Bill 1823 is currently being discussed in Tennessee. The bill would allow over-the-counter provisions of contraception by a pharmacist. In other words, women could purchase oral or patch birth control pills without a visit to their doctor.

As introduced, the bill clarifies "Contraceptive Supplies" to include oral contraceptives and contraceptive patches.

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Allison Glass with Healthy and Free Tennessee stated, "One way to improve contraceptive access, use, and decrease the unintended pregnancy rate, is to allow over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives. Over-the-counter access helps to reduce disparities in reproductive health care access and outcomes, and increases opportunities for women to obtain a safe, effective method of contraception, free of medically unnecessary obstacles. A majority of doctors agree that providing women with contraception after a brief consultation with a pharmacist is a positive step to support women to manage their health and become parents when they are ready and have the support they need."

The bill in question would allow for contraceptives that are taken orally to be obtained by residents over the counter after a brief conversation with the pharmacist.

The bill mandates that the users who purchase oral or patch contraceptives be at least 18 years of age in Tennessee.

The Health Committee will hear details of the bill on Wednesday (3/30/16).

More:

Read the bill here.

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