Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report Highlights Issues In Various States, USA

The following highlights recent news of state actions on women's health issues.

Emergency Contraception
The Washington state Board of Pharmacy on Thursday voted 5-0 to approve a rule that would allow pharmacists who oppose emergency contraception -- which can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse -- to refuse to fill prescriptions for the medication, the AP/Seattle Times reports. Pharmacists cannot "obstruct a patient in obtaining a lawfully prescribed drug or device," and they must make an alternative available in a timely fashion if they "cannot dispense" a prescription, according to the rule. The rule, which faces public comment before taking effect, can be altered before the board considers it for final approval, which is expected in August, according to the AP/Times (Woodward, AP/Seattle Times, 6/1).

Other Regulations
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has approved the application of the Indiana Association of Pregnancy Centers, which opposes abortion rights, for "Choose Life" license plates, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. The state allows any not-for-profit organization that has a chapter or its headquarters in the state to submit an application for a specialty license plate to the BMV as long as the agency can provide information as to how the plate's proceeds will be used and can submit a petition signed by at least 500 people who say they plan to purchase the plate. BMV Commissioner Joel Silverman, who reviews the applications and decides which organizations' plates are approved, said that the Association of Pregnancy Centers "demonstrated significant support from their organization and showed they could sell enough plates to make it a viable option." No final price has been set for the plate, according to Cook. BMV has not given final approval to the design of the plate (Stedman Weidenbener, Louisville Courier-Journal, 6/2).


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