Decisions about emergency contraception are time-sensitive and sometimes overwhelming. Faced with what can be a scary situation, it’s imperative that patients in Massachusetts can access the emergency contraception that is right for them without having to worry about whether or not it’s covered by insurance.

Today, many patients go to the pharmacy and buy Plan B One-Step simply because it is the easiest to get, but Plan B isn’t right for everyone and there are other options available that need to be made more accessible. Bay Staters must have access to the full range of emergency contraception options so they can get the care that is right for them to prevent an unintended pregnancy. It’s called emergency contraception for a reason. It’s unreasonable and unrealistic to expect patients to set up an appointment, speak with their doctor, and get the prescription they need in a timely enough manner to ensure the medication is most effective. The way we dispense this care must align with the needs of those who access it.

An Act to Improve Access to Emergency Contraception creates a statewide standing order (coordination between a physician and a pharmacist allowing the pharmacists to dispense a particular medication) for both prescription and over-the-counter emergency contraception. A statewide standing order would:

• Ensure that everyone can access the emergency contraception that’s right for them without delay.

• Make insurance coverage possible for all forms of emergency contraception.

Reproductive health care emergencies can happen to anyone. Our laws must support patients in these scenarios to ensure that they can get the care that’s right for them without delay and breaking the bank. Urge your lawmakers to support this legislation! 

On June 7, 2021, NARAL MA Executive Director Rebecca Hart Holder provided the Joint Committee on Public Health written testimony in support of this legislation. Read the full testimony here.