Protection for all: California no longer requires prescriptions for certain birth control methods

Lisabelle Panossian, Web & Social Media Editor

Women of all ages in California will be one pharmaceutical visit away from obtaining any form of non-surgically inserted birth control.

The new legislation will require women of no minimum age to visit a pharmacist who will measure blood pressure and have the patient fill out a questionnaire to ensure that birth control is a safe option.

Any form of the contraception with the exception of devices that must be inserted by a healthcare provider — such as arm implants and intrauterine devices — will all be available to qualifying patients.

State legislators originally passed the law in 2013 but the law will be effective this Friday.

Review common options for birth control here.

Honors Physiology students Olivia Hoekendijk and Gia Monachino, as well as Honors Physiology teacher Ray Cinti, give their opinions on the issue: