Reproductive Equity Now Statement on New CT Regulations To Expand Access to Contraception
As national attacks on reproductive health care continue, pharmacist prescribing of birth control will break down barriers to essential health care
HARTFORD (January 2, 2025) — After new regulations went into effect in Connecticut this past December allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control or emergency contraception, Reproductive Equity Now Connecticut State Director Liz Gustafson released the following statement:
“By eliminating a multi-step process to acquire hormonal or emergency contraception 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,” said Liz Gustafson, Connecticut State Director of Reproductive Equity Now. “In a post-Roe world, as national attacks on birth control escalate, we must find every opportunity to protect and expand reproductive freedom. We’re grateful for this step to expand access to essential contraceptive care, and look forward to working with the state and health care providers to ensure comprehensive implementation of these regulations."
Governor Ned Lamont signed into law Public Act 23-52 this past June, authorizing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal and emergency contraception. The final regulations under Public Act 23-52 went into effect on December 27, 2024. Twenty-nine states, including Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia authorize pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control.
One third of adult women who have ever tried to get a prescription for hormonal birth control report problems either obtaining a prescription or refills, often due to an unnecessary clinical visit or examination requirement. For people who may not have a primary care provider or those who face extraordinarily long wait times to schedule an appointment—most of whom are low-income or people of color—contraceptive access is often put out of reach. Such barriers stand in the way of continuity of contraceptive care, which is critical to reducing unintended pregnancy.
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