LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, COMMISSIONER MICHELLE SEAGULL, CT PHARMACISTS URGE LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO PRESCRIBE CONTRACEPTIVES

(Waterbury, CT) – Today, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz was joined by Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull and the Connecticut Pharmacists Association to urge the Connecticut General Assembly to pass legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain types of birth control without patients first needing to visit their doctor.  

There are currently twenty states that allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control. If enacted, this legislation would improve access to birth control, especially in rural and underserved areas, where access to reproductive healthcare is limited. A pharmacist may only prescribe a hormonal contraceptive and emergency contraceptive if they have completed an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited educational training program related to the prescribing of hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraception by a pharmacist.  

"By expanding access to birth control, we are giving women more control over their own reproductive health and ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to make informed decisions,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "This will improve health outcomes for women and their families. With the overturn of Roe V. Wade, it is more important than ever that we protect women’s reproductive rights. Governor Lamont and I remain committed to ensuring that all women in Connecticut have access to the care they need."  

“Pharmacists are a critical part of our medical system. Most people see their pharmacist more often and more easily than their primary care physician,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “Providing the ability for pharmacists to prescribe safe and effective contraception to women who ask for it is just one way we can reduce barriers to healthcare for women.” 

“Studies show that both patients and pharmacists overwhelmingly support pharmacist prescribing of contraceptives,” said Nathan Tinker, CEO of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association. “Connecticut’s pharmacists are great local healthcare resources, well-trained to offer the screening and testing required for contraceptive visits, and easily accessible to every community in the State.”