Gov. Ted Kulongoski took a few minutes Wednesday to cap a years-long effort to include birth control in health insurance coverage.
He signed House Bill 2700, which requires health plans to provide prescription-drug coverage of birth control, and hospital emergency rooms to make available emergency contraceptives to victims of rape and incest.
The first measure was introduced by the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance in 1993.
“The women of Oregon have worked tirelessly for nearly 15 years for the passage of these measures,” Kulongoski said. “I am proud to have been part of that fight, and even more proud to be here as we celebrate this victory.”
Among the chief sponsors of the bill on hand were Rep. Diane Rosenbaum and Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown, both Democrats from Portland, and Rep. Carolyn Tomei, D-Milwaukie. Brown was in her first full term as an elected representative when she advanced the first effort in 1993.
Under the new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, insurance plans that provide coverage for prescription drugs must do so for birth control. Nearly half do not do so now, even when they cover other medications, forcing women to spend a yearly average of $673 from their own pockets.
Hospital emergency rooms would have to provide information about and access to emergency contraceptives to women who have been victims of sexual assault, or believe they have been victims.
If administered within 72 hours of an assault, emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy.
“We continue our ongoing work to expand personal freedom and offer women full equality in our society,” Kulongoski said.
Also on hand were executives from Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/ Willamette, and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon.
Kulongoski already signed a bill requiring most businesses to provide unpaid rest periods and private places for nursing mothers to maintain their milk.
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