LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, NEW HAVEN HEALTH DIRECTOR MARITZA BOND, CT PHARMACISTS URGE LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO PRESCRIBE CONTRACEPTIVES

(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Today, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz was joined by New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond 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.   

"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 decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, it is now 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."   

"We know that pharmacies were instrumental and pivotal in the response to COVID. They demonstrated how they can be able to respond and be frontline workers. Now we are hoping that they can be on the front lines to provide access to a much-needed health care services for women,” said New Haven Health Director Martiza Bond. “I want to commend our Governor and our Lieutenant Governor for continuing to be progressive in really trying to get Connecticut to be able to expand access to an array of things. Let’s be the 21st state to be able to pass this legislation.” 

"Here in Connecticut, many women may have unnecessary obstacles to obtaining birth control, especially in rural and underserved areas. The Governor's proposal removes some of those barriers enabling women to simply visit their local pharmacy for a birth control prescription,” said Nathan Tinker, CEO of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association. “Connecticut's pharmacists are experienced and well trained to offer the screening and testing required for contraceptive visits. They follow evidence-based recommendations and provide counseling and referrals to other providers it there are problems. This proposal is important, and it eases access for women to important health care.” 

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.