Salem, Ore. – Today the Oregon House voted to allow women to purchase birth control without a doctor’s visit, a proposal introduced by Rep. Knute Buehler. Buehler, an orthopedic surgeon from Bend, introduced the measure earlier this session and led the bipartisan work group assigned to the concept.
“Oregon has the opportunity to be the first in the nation to remove one of the most substantial barriers to contraceptive access for women – a doctor’s prescription,” said Buehler. “I am proud to be presenting this landmark legislation which will be one of the most significant improvements to women’s health of our generation.”
The legislation (HB 2879) would allow birth control to be sold behind the counter at local pharmacies without a physician visit and prescription.
HB 2879 will now go to the Senate for approval. If passed, Oregon would be the second state in the nation to pass such legislation, along with California.
Since California has yet to develop their administrative rules around the change, Oregon could become the first in the country to implement this historic expansion of access.
“Under this legislation, single moms who are working multiple jobs, college students who work the night shift, and every other woman who needs contraceptives can drive to their local Walgreens and purchase birth control without any previous visit or prescription,” said Buehler.
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