Mussman Measure to Increase Access to Birth Control Passes Out of Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure spearheaded by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, to increase availability and access to birth control passed out of the Health Care Licenses Committee yesterday.

“I believe it is a woman’s right to have access to birth control, and expanding pharmacists’ authority to include dispensing birth control will help give all women the ability to do what is best for their health,” said Mussman. “There are a variety of reasons why some women may not be able to visit a doctor, such as family commitments, issues with insurance, work, or even lack of transportation. This legislation will ensure that all women in our state have access to contraception and help empower them to make informed decisions about their health.”

Mussman’s House Bill 1442, which passed out of the Illinois House Health Care Licenses Committee yesterday, would expand a pharmacist’s scope of practice to include dispensing hormonal contraceptives.