Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs makes birth control available without prescription at pharmacy
Jul 7, 2023, 6:20 AM | Updated: 7:01 am
Adults in Arizona can now obtain contraceptive medications over the counter at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription under an order announced by Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (AP Photos)
(AP Photos)
PHOENIX (AP) — Adults in Arizona can now obtain contraceptive medications over the counter at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription under a governor’s order announced Thursday.
Gov. Katie Hobbs said the rule will go into effect immediately. It applies to self-administered birth control such as hormonal and oral contraceptives, and patients 18 or older need only complete a screening and a blood pressure test.
“We are building an Arizona for everyone, which means ensuring people across the state have what they need to live a free and healthy life,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.
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Over 20 states have statutes that let pharmacists dispense FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives without a prescription, according to a statement from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Hobbs has used her executive powers in recent weeks to promote reproductive freedom. In June she issued a sweeping executive order effectively stripping prosecutors of their ability to pursue charges against anyone involved with a legally obtained abortion.
She also plans to support legislation next year that would codify access to birth control.
