FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2024
Contact: Loretta Kane (917-410-7242 or loretta@caminopr.com)

Contraceptive Access Initiative applauds governors’ efforts to make birth control accessible and affordable

Statement by CAI Co-founder Dana Singiser

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, in the wake of Opill becoming available over the counter, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul took action to make contraceptives more accessible. Gov. Evers issued a standing order that makes oral contraceptives free for residents enrolled in BadgerCare Plus, the state’s Medicaid program. Later in the day, Gov. Hochul issued a standing order authorizing pharmacists to dispense three types of hormonal contraception (the birth control pill, ring and patch) without a prescription. Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI) Co-founder Dana Singiser issued the following statement in support of the new policies:

“The birth control pill’s availability on store shelves is a pivotal moment in reproductive health, enabling millions to secure safe and effective birth control without the barrier of a doctor’s visit. The standing orders issued by Gov. Evers and Gov. Hochul are visionary steps toward promoting reproductive health, health care equity and individual autonomy. 

“We commend Gov. Tony Evers for his decisive action to make oral contraceptives more accessible for people enrolled in Medicaid in Wisconsin by removing one of the financial barriers too many face.

“We also applaud Gov. Hochul for increasing access to hormonal birth control by allowing pharmacists to dispense the pill, ring and patch. This removes the barrier of a doctor’s visit while still allowing coverage under existing public and private health insurance plans — giving individuals with private coverage and Medicaid access without any out-of-pocket cost.

“By prioritizing affordability and accessibility, Gov. Evers and Gov. Hochul demonstrate their commitment to addressing health care disparities and ensuring that all Wisconsinites and New Yorkers, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to effective birth control. 

“We urge other states to follow Wisconsin and New York in prioritizing access to contraception as a fundamental component of comprehensive health care.”

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The nonprofit Contraceptive Access Initiative advocates for increasing access to contraception, free from stigma, bias and coercion. CAI supports affordable over-the-counter access to oral contraception without restrictions. Our work reduces misinformation and challenges disinformation, while uplifting educational content that helps people make the choices that are right for them.