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Reynolds aims for compromise to possibly make birth control available over the counter

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March 22nd, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds is hoping to broker a compromise that would expand access to birth control, without frequent visits to the doctor for a prescription. Reynolds first proposed the idea during her 2018 campaign and included the proposal in priority legislation for 2023. Last week, the Senate passed a bill that would let pharmacists dispense birth control, like the pill, without a prescription. The House is considering a similar plan, but refills after two years would require a return visit to a doctor.

“My goal is to get it across the finish line and so we’re going to continue to sit down with lawmakers and find what that compromise looks like.” During a campaign debate in 2018, Reynolds expressed support for making contraceptives available through pharmacies, but without a prescription. Twenty states currently allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception, which includes patches and implants as well as the pill.