DENVER – Dueling pieces of federal legislation on over-the-counter birth control has observers asking which is the “real” plan?
One bill was unveiled by Republican U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner of Yuma last month, making good on a campaign promise. The legislation aims at encouraging manufacturers of certain contraceptives, such as “the pill,” to apply for over-the-counter classification with the Food and Drug Administration by allowing a priority review and waiving filing fees.
On the other side of the aisle, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from the state of Washington, announced just last week what the pro-choice world is calling a “real OTC birth-control plan.” The bill would allow for over-the-counter birth-control pills to be covered by health insurance. The pills still would need to receive FDA approval. The measure is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Denver Democrat.
“This new bill will help more women be able to access birth control, while also protecting the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that insurance cover it,” said Cathy Alderman, vice president of Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado.
The two bills highlight the politics behind women’s issues. Gardner said he wants to offer women additional choices and access to birth control. Pro-choice advocates, however, say it is a political ploy.
“Other proposals are a cheap ploy by politicians seeking to distract from their anti-choice records and designed to charge women extra for the privilege of being last in line to choose the health-care choice that is right for them – behind other politicians, bosses, insurance companies and drug-store clerks,” said Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
Supporters of Gardner’s proposal point out that women in rural communities don’t always have access to doctors who can prescribe birth control. Offering the pill over-the-counter provides greater access, they say.
In response to the criticism, Gardner said: “It’s unfortunate they have decided to bring partisanship to an issue that could have won support on Capitol Hill, but we are pleased they are following our lead.”
