Pharmacists could prescribe birth control under bill approved by lawmakers

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Pharmacists would be allowed to prescribe birth control under a bipartisan bill that passed the state Assembly.

The bill still needs to pass the Senate before heading to Gov. Tony Evers' desk. Last year it never received a vote in that chamber, but Rep. Joel Kitchens, who authored the bill, is hopeful it will be considered this session.

Pharmacists would be required to use a self-assessment questionnaire when prescribing contraceptive. If there are any "red flags," Kitchens said, the individual would be referred to physician. The prescription would also be forwarded to their doctor's office.

Twenty-eight states have adopted similar measures, according to Kitchens.

"And what we know has happened in those states is it does reduce unplanned pregnancy and abortions," Kitchens said.

The move comes on the heels of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, a decision that was the backdrop of the state's highly consequential contest for state Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the issue of abortion is one Republicans still grapple with as the 1849 near-total ban is still on the books. The law is anticipated to be overturned with incoming liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz taking the oath of office in August.

Democrats also introduced their own bill addressing contraception on Wednesday that mirrors federal legislation proposed by congressional Democrats. The measure would prohibit state or a local government from implementing laws that would make it more difficult to obtain birth control or contraception-related information.

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