Oklahoma lawmakers consider extending Birth Control prescriptions

Two bills making their way through the Oklahoma Legislature would allow women to receive a full year’s supply of birth control, replacing the current limit of a three-month prescription.

Aimed at Expanding Access

Rep. Cindy Roe, R-Lindsay, is backing the legislation, saying the goal is to improve access to oral contraceptives, particularly for women living in rural areas who may struggle to make frequent trips to the pharmacy.

“A lot of times we get busy, we forget to go to the pharmacy or we have a lot of women that have to drive several miles to get to the pharmacy to get those prescriptions refilled,” Roe said.

Initial Trial Still Required

Under the proposed legislation, patients would still be required to undergo a three-month trial period before receiving a year-long prescription. Roe said that period is critical to ensure the correct hormonal combination is being used to treat the condition.

“Which is usually the time period that would allow you to know if that particular combination of hormones is proper for the condition you're treating,” she said.

Contraceptives Used Beyond Pregnancy Prevention

While birth control is commonly used to prevent pregnancy, Roe noted that it also helps treat a range of health conditions, including acne, irregular periods, cramps, migraines, and endometriosis.

“So this would improve compliance, ensuring that somebody doesn’t run out of medication,” Roe said.

Senate Amendment Reduces Supply

Although both House and Senate versions of the bills originally proposed a 12-month supply, amendments in the Senate have reduced that timeframe to six months.

“Which is a little disheartening because it would only allow you an additional six months and not a full year, which is the intent,” Roe said.

Potential for Changes

Despite the amendment, Roe said the bills still have several steps to go in the legislative process, and the 12-month supply provision could still be restored.

“With contraceptive pills, we know that missing those three or four days could be that risk of an unplanned pregnancy,” she said.

Other States

Oklahoma would join a growing list of states expanding access to longer-term contraceptive prescriptions. At least 13 states, including Arizona, Utah, and California, already allow year-long prescriptions, while at least three states offer six-month options.