Access to Birth Control Act

Improved Access to Contraception: Pharmacies must provide contraceptives or related medications without delay if they are in stock, ensuring customers receive their requested products promptly (Section 3, subsection a, clause 1).

Support for Out-of-Stock Requests: If a pharmacy stocks contraception but does not have a specific item on hand, they must offer to locate a preferred pharmacy, transfer the prescription, or place an expedited order for the customer (Section 3, subsection a, clause 2).

Protection of Customer Environment and Privacy: The bill prohibits pharmacies from operating environments where customers are intimidated or harassed, and it prevents employees from breaching medical confidentiality or deceiving customers about medication (Section 3, subsection a, clause 3).

Accountability for Refusals: The bill creates a system of accountability through civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day and a private right of action that allows aggrieved individuals to seek relief, including actual and punitive damages (Section 3, subsection f).

Restrictions on Professional Judgment: A pharmacy may still refuse to provide contraception if an employee makes a refusal based on a professional clinical judgment in accordance with prevailing medical standards (Section 3, subsection c, clause 3).

Financial Barriers Remain: The bill does not prevent a pharmacy from refusing to provide a contraceptive if the customer is unable to pay for it (Section 3, subsection c, clause 2).

Prescription Requirements: Pharmacies are still permitted to refuse to dispense a contraceptive if the customer does not present a valid, lawful prescription (Section 3, subsection c, clause 1).