Hartford Courant | CT pharmacists can now prescribe birth control; Plan B in vending machine at UConn

Originally Published by the Hartford Courant

As the Trump administration continues to limit abortion access, Connecticut announced this week that contraception is now easier to get, with one vending machine at UConn and hundreds of pharmacists now eligible to prescribe it.

A law allowing for licensed pharmacists to prescribe contraception at pharmacies across the state after a brief training program and allowing over-the-counter medications like the emergency contraception Plan B to be sold in vending machines passed in 2023. The first vending machine is now available at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus.

“This is just one of the many ways we’re working to expand access to contraception and other important medications in Connecticut,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a release. “Pharmacists have continued to play a growing role in our healthcare system, from administering vaccines to dispensing Narcan and other lifesaving medications, and now prescribing birth control. They are a critical part of the healthcare network.”

The program, developed by University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, became available this week after receiving final approval from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the statement from Lamont’s office said. The program is offered on demand for $40 and is optional for the state’s 671 licensed pharmacists and takes about four hours to complete.

Connecticut officials said that allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control lowers barriers for people who may not have a gynecologist or the ability to see one.

“There can be many barriers to going to a primary care provider for contraception – potential costs, needing to take time off work, or traveling long distances. That is why both patients and pharmacists overwhelmingly offered their support for this change,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said. “Everyone should have safe and reliable access to contraceptives. Governor Lamont and I remain committed to ensuring that our state continues to be the best place for women and that every patient in Connecticut has access to the care they need.”

The state director of Reproductive Equity Now said increasing access to contraception and emergency contraception are important steps as President Donald Trump continues to implement an unpredictable agenda.

“Access to contraceptives gives people the ability to control their own reproductive destinies and make personal decisions regarding if, when, or how to start their families,” Liz Gustafson, Connecticut state director of Reproductive Equity Now, said. “By eliminating the need for a visit to a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription for birth control and allowing people to receive the prescription directly from their local pharmacy, pharmacist prescribing will help increase access to contraception for those who face the greatest barriers to care.

“We’re also thrilled to see the first emergency contraception vending machine in Connecticut installed at UConn Storrs, and commend Dr. Smith, medical director of student health and wellness and his colleagues, for their work to bring this to fruition,” Gustafson said. “As national attacks on birth control escalate, we must find every opportunity to protect and expand reproductive freedom, and this pharmacist training program and expanded access to emergency contraception are critically important steps.”

When the bill passed, Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, one of several Republicans who supported the measure, said “You may need Plan B, as we all know, in the middle of the night, and you won’t have access to a pharmacy until the morning.”