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news.A new bill has been unveiled in the US to make birth control pills approved by the Food and Drug Administration, available without a prescription, to help expand women’s access to affordable contraceptives.
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The Affordability is Access Act – legislation was introduced by US Senator Barbara Boxer along with Senator Patty Murray, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and 28 colleagues.
The legislation builds on contraception coverage access in the Affordable Care Act by ensuring that when the FDA approves birth control pills for over the counter use, they will be covered without cost sharing and without the need for a prescription.
Senator Boxer said: "While the GOP tries to increase birth control costs for women, we are introducing a plan that expands free access to contraceptives."
Senator Murray added: "I believe strongly that women should be able to get the comprehensive health care they need, when they need it — without being charged extra, without asking permission, and without politicians interfering.
"I’m proud to be fighting for the Affordability is Access Act, which would help make sure women can have safe, convenient, over-the-counter access to birth control without being forced to pay extra on top of their insurance."