According to a state newspaper, around 31 percent of all pregnancies in Illinois are unplanned. However, thanks to a new law in the state, Illinois women have more access to birth control pills. Apart from lessening the number of unplanned pregnancies, women now have better access to cheaper methods of addressing health issues such as ovarian cancer, dysmenorrhea, menstrual bleeding, irregular menstruation, fibroids, and migraines and pains related to endometriosis and menstruation.
Last year, a new law passed had taken effect early this month in Illinois, giving women more access to birth control. Before the law, women could only get hormonal pills or self-administered contraception from pharmacies when prescribed by a doctor. House Bill 0135 makes Illinois one of the first few states around the Midwest to ensure that birth control is readily accessible over the counter.
New law for more accessible birth control pills
With the passing of the new law, women can have a simple screening or tests with trained pharmacists to purchase birth control or oral pills for a range of medical concerns in a pharmacy or drugstore. The Illinois legislation addresses unplanned pregnancies and health complications or problems experienced by women.
Pharmacists can screen and recommend medications due to their specialized training in all drugs. However, as current practice, pharmacists may be seen as drug experts but are limited to drug providers.
In addition, numerous areas have a limited number of grocery stores, let alone physicians who can prescribe contraceptives. In most states, one has to have a doctor's visit to get a pill prescription. The process can be time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, pharmacies are more common and accessible in urban and rural Illinois and are manned by pharmacists.
Since one of the features of the new law is to give health screenings in a private room in a pharmacy and provide access without any age restrictions, the law allows pharmacists to complete screenings for walk-in patients or customers. Consequently, going home with self-administered contraceptives or hormonal pills will become much more accessible, cheaper, and less burdensome.
Contraceptive deserts
In Illinois, authorities estimate that more than 700,000 women live in counties with unavailable access to health centers that provide a wide range of birth control options. These are so-called "contraceptive deserts." Plus, in the pandemic, allowing women to get their birth control from pharmacists is also safer and more convenient as there are various health access points all over the state.
Through this new legislation, Illinois is one of the states at the forefront of liberalizing access to birth control. Allowing pharmacists to provide birth control is also a manifestation of increased access to essential health services. The legislation would also mean that women have more control over their bodies, health, and futures.
HB0135 was passed and signed into law in mid-2021 and took effect at the start of the year. This law is monumental as it emphasizes that women's health is a fundamental right and that birth control saves lives. It is a hope that more states emulate said legislation in the future.
