New Rule Proposed for No-Cost Over-the-Counter Birth Control

The Biden administration said Monday it wants to expand contraception access as women’s reproductive rights remain a focal issue in the 2024 election.

On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris said the proposed changes would cover over-the-counter daily contraception without a prescription, emergency contraception, condoms and spermicide at no cost. Private insurance would also be required to inform women about no-cost contraception options and could no longer claim moral exemptions on religious grounds.

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Alaska Vetoes Birth Control Expansion Same Day Judge Takes Sledgehammer to Abortion Restrictions

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy

Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill that would expand birth control access on Wednesday, while a judge on the Alaska Superior Court ruled against a state law that states only licensed doctors can perform abortions.

Dunleavy vetoed the bill, and Judge Josie Garton ruled against the state’s law prohibiting abortions from being performed unless it is by a doctor licensed by the State Medical Board, the ruling states. The bill that was vetoed would have required insurance companies to provide coverage for birth control and contraceptives.

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