Today, July 19, 2022, Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act. This legislation would make U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral contraceptives available for over-the-counter use.

“As a state senator, I introduced and passed, in the Senate, a bill allowing women over the age of 18 to purchase oral contraceptives over the counter in the state of Iowa. Today, I am proud to champion that same cause in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Miller-Meeks. “This important bill will ensure that the FDA acts quickly to approve oral contraceptives for over-the-counter use. As a woman and a doctor, I recognize the need for increased access to contraceptives and believe that this bill is an important step to promote women’s health.”

Background:

In 2019, then-State Senator Miller-Meeks introduced Senate File 513 to provide access to over-the-counter oral contraceptives in the state of Iowa. Senate File 513 passed the Iowa Senate by a vote of 42 to 6.

The Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act would make oral contraceptives available over-the-counter to women over the age of 18. This legislation would also enact reforms to Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts to ensure that women have increased options to pay for contraceptives.

Original source can be found here