Sponsored by: Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Summary:

The Access to Birth Control (ABC) Act would protect a woman’s access to birth control at pharmacies and guarantee that she receives prescriptions and over-the-counter products in-store without discrimination or delay.  It would require a pharmacy that routinely carries contraception but does not have the requested birth control in stock to refer the patient to another pharmacy of her choice that has the birth control in stock and, if applicable, to transfer the prescription.

PPNT Position:

Support—Emergency contraception and other forms of birth control are basic health care for women.  The ABC Act would address the growing and troubling trend of pharmacy refusals by ensuring that a woman can walk into any pharmacy in the country and get birth control, including emergency contraception, without being turned away or lectured by pharmacy staff.

Latest Action:

06/06/2007--Introduced in the House and Senate.

Recorded Votes:

None.