Empowering Choices: State Reaffirms Right to Accessible Contraceptive Care

SACRAMENTO – Across the country, attacks are mounting against every form of reproductive health care – from abortion to contraception. California leaders Feb. 22 have taken action to remind pharmacies, major pharmaceutical companies, health plans and Californians that contraception is available to minors, in 12-month supplies, and for non-prescription emergency contraception.

“While some states are seeking to ban emergency contraception, California is proud to provide comprehensive protections and expand access to all forms of reproductive health care,” said Gov. Newsom. “We are making sure health care providers are following the law and that Californians know their rights when it comes to contraception and reproductive health care.”

A recent report, authored by the UCLA School of Law Center for Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy, revealed that a significant percentage of California pharmacies either required parental consent or entirely withheld emergency contraception from minors — a clear violation of California’s law. Among the community pharmacies surveyed that offer over-the-counter emergency contraception, only 50% indicated that minors were permitted to purchase the medication. Another report by the same center recommended raising awareness among pharmacists of hormonal contraception options.

California issued:

An alert to all Board of Pharmacy licensees reminding licensees of their obligations under state law. An All-Plan Letter or APL reminding commercial health plans regulated by DMHC of their legal obligation to cover over-the-counter FDA-approved contraceptives with no cost-sharing to members. [Letter]

A letter to the corporate offices of the major pharmacy chains reminding them that emergency contraception does not require a prescription or parental consent. [Letter]

A consumer alert, informing minors of their ability to access emergency contraception without a prescription or parental consent. [Alert]

An alert to all California pharmacies reminding them of their obligation under California law to provide minors access to emergency contraception. [Alert]

Details: Abortion.CA.Gov.