Protect Access to Contraception Act Passes First Senate Committee

St. Paul, MN — Today, the Protect Access to Contraception Act (PAC Act) passed the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services committee, moving it along to the Senate Commerce Committee next. The PAC Act would guarantee that contraceptives are covered by insurance without co-payments; ensure that medically necessary contraceptives, as recommended by a health care provider, are covered without co-payments and without interference by employers; and allow Minnesotans to receive up to 12 months of birth control at a time, covered by insurance.

The PAC Act will expand access to birth control, which is essential to Minnesotans’ health and economic advancement. In states with greater reproductive health care access, including birth control coverage, data shows that women are more likely to be managers, work full time, have higher wages, and experience upward job mobility. Medical research shows that access to a full year’s supply of birth control helps decrease gaps in contraceptive use and is associated with a decrease in unplanned pregnancies and abortions.

Statement from Tim Stanley, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund:

“Minnesotans deserve to plan their families and futures, regardless of cost, free of unnecessary insurance barriers and without political interference. Birth control is essential health care, and increasing access helps those of all incomes determine their futures. While other states around the region are making it harder to access essential health care, Minnesota is taking multiple steps to expand sexual and reproductive health care – to the benefit of everyone in Minnesota.”