Lawmakers Pass Bill to Allow Women to Receive EC Without a Prescription

The state Legislature Wednesday passed a bill (SB 1169) that would allow women to receive emergency contraception without a prescription, the Los Angeles Times reports. Under the legislation, drafted by state Sen. Dede Alpert (D-Coronado), pharmacists who dispense EC would have to receive "accredited training" administered by the state Board of Pharmacy, including "sensitivity training" to help pharmacists discuss the "intimate subject" with women. The bill would require pharmacists to counsel women about contraceptive use and would allow them to charge a fee for the service. Supporters predicted that Gov. Gray Davis (D) would sign the legislation, making California the second state after Washington to allow pharmacists to dispense EC to women without a prescription. The medical community, including organizations that represent state doctors, nurses and pharmacists, has offered "broad support" for the legislation. However, the California Right to Life Committee opposes the bill. "We're very concerned that girls can get these pills without their parents being there or knowing about it," Camille Giglio, director of the group, said (Gellene, Los Angeles Times, 9/14).