Contact: Rep. Katrina Shankland, (608) 267-9649
Sen. LaTonya Johnson, (608) 266-2500
MADISON – Today Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) introduced the 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act, legislation that would allow women to fill their birth control prescriptions for 12 months at a time after receiving an initial 3-month supply. Wisconsin health insurance plans currently only cover prescriptions of birth control for 30 or 90 days.
“At some point in their lifetime, almost all women have depended on birth control for their health or family planning,” said Rep. Shankland. “But consistency is key when it comes to birth control effectiveness, and requiring women to return to their pharmacy every month or every few months is an unnecessary barrier, especially for women in rural areas or those who work multiple jobs.”
The most common causes of unwanted pregnancies are lack of access to reliable contraception and inconsistent use. Research has shown that dispensing a 12-month supply of birth control at one time reduces the odds of unintended pregnancy by 30% and reduces abortion rates by 46%. It may also lower costs for health insurers by reducing the number of pregnancy tests and pregnancies.
“When so many recent legislative actions have been aimed at making access to women’s health care more difficult and inconvenient, this common-sense proposal will improve the lives of women across the state and reduce unintended pregnancies,” said Sen. Johnson. “I hope this bill will receive support from all of those who advocate for healthy women and strong Wisconsin families.”
“More than seven states have enacted similar legislation, and it’s time for Wisconsin to do the same. There is no medical reason why a woman should only receive a monthly supply of her birth control,” continued Rep. Shankland. “The 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act would strengthen women’s health and provide women with the security and certainty that comes with consistent and effective birth control use.”
