Louisiana’s Birth Control Bill Halted Amid Anti-Abortion Debate
TL/DR –
In Louisiana, legislation that would enshrine a person’s right to use contraception is being delayed until a prominent anti-abortion group, the Louisiana Right to Life, decides its stance on the measure. There are concerns that the state’s preeminent anti-abortion organization might oppose the bill, causing conservative legislators to hesitate. Three other religious organizations oppose the legislation, while the bill ensures the ability to prescribe and use various birth control options and aims to combat future legal arguments and legislation that might limit access to contraceptives.
Legislation on Right to Use Contraception in Louisiana Delayed
Louisiana’s proposed legislation affirming the right to use contraception is paused, awaiting the stance of a prominent anti-abortion group. Rep. Delisha Boyd has deferred her legislation, House Bill 395, after concerns were raised that the state’s leading anti-abortion organization, Louisiana Right to Life, may oppose it. The decision to vote on the legislation was delayed to next week.
Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director, Benjamin Clapper, states the group is still considering the proposal. Meanwhile, other organizations such as the Louisiana Family Forum, Louisiana Catholic of Conference Bishops, and the Louisiana Baptist Convention are opposing the legislation.
Amid the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, Democrats in statehouses nationwide are introducing legislature to protect birth control access. Boyd’s bill aims to ensure availability of various birth control options including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and the morning-after pill, also known as Plan B.
The proposal does not intend to impact health insurance coverage of birth control but aims to protect against potential legal arguments and legislation that could limit contraceptives. During the hearing, an amendment was accepted from Republican lawmakers reaffirming that healthcare providers cannot be compelled to offer contraception against their personal beliefs.
However, committee members questioned coverage of IUDs and emergency contraception like the morning-after pill by state programs. They expressed concerns about potential financial implications for the Medicaid program and state healthcare plans if the legislation resulted in expanded birth control coverage for Medicaid recipients or public employees.
Conservative groups have targeted IUDs and emergency contraception due to misconceptions that they operate similarly to abortion medication. However, according to KFF, they prevent pregnancy by blocking egg fertilization and ovulation.
Federal law currently requires most public and private health insurance plans to offer birth control options at no extra cost. Louisiana’s Medicaid program and the Office of Group Benefits insurance plans also offer similar coverage. If Boyd’s bill fails, Sen. Royce Duplessis has the option to advance similar legislation in his chamber.
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