SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hormonal contraceptives will soon be available without a doctor’s prescription in Illinois under a new law backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.
“Birth control is not only a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy, but also commonly used to manage painful periods and symptoms of certain medical conditions,” said Hirschauer. “Birth control saves and changes lives, and it should be easily accessible. This new law reduces barriers to reproductive health care, giving more women the ability to choose the birth control method that’s best for their health, lifestyle and priorities.”
Signed into law on Thursday, the Hirschauer-sponsored House Bill 135 creates a pathway for pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception in Illinois. By making birth control available over the counter, the measure eliminates the need to visit a doctor’s office to obtain or renew a prescription.
“There are a variety of circumstances that may make it difficult for women to fit in a doctor’s appointment, including a busy work schedule, lack of child care or unreliable transportation,” said Hirschauer. “Allowing women to get birth control directly from a pharmacist is a critical step toward improving equitable access to reproductive health care in Illinois, and I am glad to see this bill signed into law.”