TRENTON, N.J.—Legislation that would permit pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraceptives, like the pill and vaginal rings, advanced in the state Senate this week and similar legislation is pending in the Assembly.
It’s coming to the forefront in New Jersey after California and Oregon enacted similar measures last year. Washington state passed similar legislation this year.
The legislation is needed to make it easier for women to get birth control without having to make a stop at their doctor’s office, but also to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, lawmakers say.
“We need to remove every barrier we can that prevents women from getting access to contraception,” said Democratic state Sen. Shirley Turner, who authored the bill. “We do not want unplanned pregnancies, which if we can do that, that will eliminate the need for abortions.”
