House passes birth control access bill

OLYMPIA – The House has a bill that would make it easier for women to consistently access contraceptives.

In a bipartisan 91-6 vote Thursday, the chamber passed House Bill 2465, which requires private insurance and Medicaid to reimburse women for a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs, like birth control pills, that are provided at once.

Supporters of the bill say that such a law would help reduce missed doses and unintended pregnancies.

The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.