Letter to the Editor
By Myat Oo Associate Board Member NY Birth Control Access Project
Many people still face problems getting emergency contraceptives and birth control because of lack of implementation of birth control policies among pharmacists and insurance companies. This lack of awareness continues to create barriers for people who need timely and reliable reproductive health care in New York state. In New York, pharmacists have the authority to prescribe emergency contraception and certain types of birth control, such as the pill, the patch, or the ring.
However, many pharmacists are not aware of this authority. Because of this, people are often turned away or told to see their physician instead, causing delays in reproductive care. Since emergency contraceptives are most effective when taken as soon as possible, even small delays can make a big difference. Insurance companies also play a role in limiting access to contraceptives. Some insurance plans only cover generic versions of birth control and won’t pay for brand-name ones unless they get approval.
In many cases, people have to go through extra steps, like getting approval from their physician or the insurance company before their prescription is fully covered. Insurers are often slow to put changes into action. This creates more stress and makes it difficult for people, especially young adults and those with lower incomes, to access important health resources. These unnecessary barriers discourage people from taking control of their own reproductive health.
It would ease people’s minds to know that they don’t have to visit their physicians to receive a prescription for emergency contraception or birth control and have it fully covered by their insurance. Pharmacists should be made aware of their prescribing rights and responsibilities, and insurance companies should comply with state laws that allow full coverage of emergency contraception and birth control.
In New York, about 1.2 million people live in contraceptive deserts, which are areas where access to birth control is limited. Allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control will expand access where people need it most. Everyone deserves quick, fair, and judgment-free access to emergency contraceptives and birth control.