11-06-2025
New Oklahoma law makes contraception more convenient
A new law taking effect Nov. 1 gives women more access to birth control. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)
OKLAHOMA CITY- A new law that gives women access to a six month prescription of birth control will make it easier to access pregnancy prevention medication, one health advocate said.
Maintaining access to contraceptives can be difficult for women who live in rural areas, have multiple jobs, children to care for and limited transportation.
Senate Bill 176 will require fewer trips to the pharmacy, said Laura Bellis executive director of the Take Control Initiative.
The new law, which takes effect Nov. 1, requires insurance companies that provide coverage for contraception to allow women to obtain six months of birth control at the same time after being prescribed a three month supply.
The Take Control Initiative, which is based in Tulsa County, has operated the nation's longest running birth control access program for 15 years. The program is focused on removing barriers while growing access to birth control.
Increasing access can also improve the effectiveness of contraception. Bellis said some methods of contraception require individuals to take it at the same time every day. Maintaining access to care aids in consistency.
Having access to contraception by age 20, reduces women's chances of living in poverty, according to the group's 2024 annual report.
Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, one of the authors of the legislation declined to comment. Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, did not return messages seeking comment.
Although contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy, 14% of women use it for non-contraceptive reasons. It can be used to treat acne, irregular periods, cramps, migraines and endometriosis.
'Hopefully this change in law will remove a barrier to these organizations that are truly trying to protect public health in Oklahoma,' said Mary Boren, D-Norman. She was one of 30 senators who voted in favor of it.
Gov. Kevin Stitt allowed the bill to become law without his signature.
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