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Measure Looks To Expand Access To Birth Control

Flickr User Nate Grigg

Illinois lawmakers are pushing to expand access to birth control by allowing pharmacists to fill orders without consulting a doctor. 

The measure would allow pharmacists to dispense hormonal birth control after undergoing training. Advocates say this will remove the extra step of making doctor appointments just to refill a prescription.

State Rep. Litesa Wallace (D-Rockford) says women use contraceptives for more than just family planning—like for medical issues that are easy to address without a doctor’s order.
 
“Some women have debilitation menstrual cramps, where for a young woman, that means missing class time or work time because of the pain associated with her period,” Wallace said.
 
But state Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) says this is an issue only a doctor should handle.
 
“I would like to express that this actually risks a patient’s safety,” Bryant said. “It’s an issue of a young person under the age of 18 being able to go in and get what should be a prescription medication.”
 
Advocates say gynecologists and other medical doctors were involved in drafting the legislation. They say pharmacists can already give out other medications —? like vaccines — without a doctor’s oversight.   

House members may consider the plan over the next few weeks.?

Daisy reports on various assignments for NPR Illinois. She graduated from the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she spent time covering the legislative session for NPR Illinois' Illinois Issues. Daisy interned then researched for the Chicago Reporter. She obtained an associate degree in French language from Harry S Truman College and a bachelor's degree in communications from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before coming to Springfield, Daisy worked in communication roles for several Chicago non-profits. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.