Gov. signs bill that gives women health insurance benefits for birth control

One of the Democrats’ priorities for the 2007 Legislature became law Wednesday when Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a bill to give Oregon women health insurance benefits for their birth control pills.

The new law also will require hospitals to offer emergency contraceptives to women who seek care after a sexual assault.

At a ceremony attended by dozens of women’s health advocates and abortion rights supporters, Kulongoski said the new law “is fundamentally about women being able to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

“Today, with the signing of this bill into law, we continue our work to expand personal freedom and offer women full equality in our society,” the Democratic governor said.

Kulongoski noted that advocates have lobbied since 1993 for prescription contraceptive coverage but that it became a reality only in this session–with Democrats running both the House and Senate for the first time in 16 years.

“This bill coming to pass was not an accident,” he said.

The measure takes effect Jan. 1. It requires private health insurers offering drug coverage to include prescription contraceptives, such as the birth control pill or hormone patch.

Backers have estimated it would affect nearly 1.5 million Oregon women who are covered by private health insurance.

The other provision will require hospitals to offer emergency contraceptives to women who seek care in an emergency room after a sexual assault. The pills substantially reduce the chances of becoming pregnant if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

After Democrats won control of the House from Republicans in November’s election and retained their Senate majority, they pledged to make contraceptive coverage a priority.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown said the bill had been blocked for years by Republicans when they controlled the House.

“Contraceptive equity and emergency contraception are just basic health care for women, and these things would not have happened but for Democrats being in control of the Legislature,” the Portland Democrat said.

Opponents of the bill included private insurers, which typically try to fend off government requirements, and some religious groups, like the Catholic Conference, which generally oppose birth control.