Oregon shows the way

To do it right:

Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski signed into law House Bill 2700, requiring employee health insurance plans to provide prescription drug coverage of birth control and emergency contraception be made available by hospital emergency rooms to victims of sexual assault.

“This fight is fundamentally about women being able to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families,” said the Governor at the signing ceremony. “Today, with the signing of this bill into law, we continue our ongoing work to expand personal freedom and offer women full equality in our society.”

Under the Act, which will go into effect January 1, 2008, health insurance plans would be obligated to offer the same level of coverage for birth control as they do for other prescription drugs. Nearly half of all indemnity health insurance plans provide no coverage for prescription birth control – even when there is coverage for other medications. Women on average spend $573 out-of-pocket each year on birth control.

In addition, the Act requires hospital emergency rooms in Oregon to offer women who have been victims of sexual assault, or that they believe have been a victim of sexual assault, information about and access to emergency contraception. Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if administered within 72 hours of the assault. It contains the same hormones as those used in common birth control pills, though at different dosage levels.

The Governor was joined at the signing ceremony by Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown, Representatives Diane Rosenbaum and Carolyn Tomei, CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia/Willamette David Greenberg and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon Executive Director Michelle Stranger-Hunter.

“The women of Oregon have worked tirelessly for nearly 15 years for the passage of these measures. I am proud to have been part of that fight – and even more proud to be here today as we celebrate this victory,” said the Governor. “I congratulate the sponsors for their hard work and diligence. Today is a great day for the women of Oregon.”

Link via Phila at Bouphonia.