Post by Logan on Feb 25, 2016 20:45:22 GMT -6
Senate panel hears bill aimed at easing birth control access
JUNEAU — Representatives from Planned Parenthood, a union of current and former sex workers, small business owners and others testified Wednesday on a bill that would require insurance companies to pay claims for women in Alaska to get up to one year’s worth of contraception at a time.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, told the Senate Health and Social Services Committee she wanted to make it more convenient for women to get contraceptives, particularly in rural areas. She said it could help reduce unintended pregnancies.
During the bill’s first hearing, Gardner and her aide Katie Bruggeman said certain provisions in the bill would be taken out — including one that would have required insurance companies to pay for over-the-counter contraceptives.
“We recognize that it needs some changes, so we’re happy to be guided by the wishes of this committee,” Gardner said.
Read more: juneauempire.com/state/2016-02-25/senate-panel-hears-bill-aimed-easing-birth-control-access
JUNEAU — Representatives from Planned Parenthood, a union of current and former sex workers, small business owners and others testified Wednesday on a bill that would require insurance companies to pay claims for women in Alaska to get up to one year’s worth of contraception at a time.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, told the Senate Health and Social Services Committee she wanted to make it more convenient for women to get contraceptives, particularly in rural areas. She said it could help reduce unintended pregnancies.
During the bill’s first hearing, Gardner and her aide Katie Bruggeman said certain provisions in the bill would be taken out — including one that would have required insurance companies to pay for over-the-counter contraceptives.
“We recognize that it needs some changes, so we’re happy to be guided by the wishes of this committee,” Gardner said.
Read more: juneauempire.com/state/2016-02-25/senate-panel-hears-bill-aimed-easing-birth-control-access