National Health Law Program: Contraceptive Equity Bill Introduced to Expand Birth Control Access in California
SACRAMENTO,California,
California State Senator
Despite leading the nation in enacting policy innovations that protect and expand access to reproductive health care, disparities in reproductive health outcomes persist among Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The COVID-19 public health emergency has only exacerbated the structural inequities that disproportionately affect access to birth control for low-income people and BIPOC communities. A recent report by the
Birth control access is a core value in
SB 523 seeks to expand on and modernize existing contraceptive coverage policy in the state. If enacted, the measure will make contraceptive coverage without cost-sharing gender neutral, require coverage of over-the-counter birth control options, expand contraceptive coverage benefits to state employees and individuals enrolled in state university health plans, and create a pathway to no-cost birth control for Californians who may be denied contraceptive coverage by a religiously-affiliated employer.
SB 523 is co-sponsored by
"I am excited to be working with this committed coalition of reproductive health advocates to help expand access to birth control across the state. It is vital that all Californians have equitable access to contraception, since we know that certain groups--like people of color and low-income individuals--have limited access to these essential health care services. SB 523 will modernize contraceptive equity laws in
"Contraception is a critical preventive health service, and people of all genders should be able to choose the birth control that works best for them, regardless of the logo on their health insurance card," said
"Birth control is essential health care. After four years of attacks on reproductive health during the Trump administration, it's time to refocus on solutions that level the playing field and ensure that everyone can get the birth control method they want, when they need it, and without delay," said
"Unfettered access to birth control, whether for family planning or other health reasons, is critical to our health, equality, and economic security," said NARAL Pro-Choice California Director
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