Yesterday, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte co-sponsored the Comprehensive Contraceptive Act (A.8135-B). Under the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, health insurance plans in New York will be required to cover all FDA approved categories of contraceptive drugs, devices, and products, as well as voluntary sterilization procedures, contraceptive education and counseling, and related follow up services. The bill would also prohibit insurance companies from imposing any delays to the coverage or cost-sharing requirements such as co-payments or deductibles.

The passage of this critical legislation was announced by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and the sponsor of the legislation, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill. It will ensure women's freedom of choice regarding contraceptives and family planning.

"This legislation adheres to a truly New York principle that access to healthcare is a right," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. Notwithstanding level of income, insurance companies will be mandated to support contraceptives. Support of this Bill sends a message that will reverberate throughout New York, which is that Albany stands with all families, whether they are man or woman, poor or rich, black or white, gay and straight."

Under the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (A.8135-B), health insurance plans in New York will be required to cover all FDA approved categories of contraceptive drugs, devices, and products, as well as voluntary sterilization procedures, contraceptive education and counseling, and related follow up services. The bill would also prohibit insurance companies from imposing any delays to the coverage or cost-sharing requirements such as co-payments or deductibles.

Currently, nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are considered unintended. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated a link between unplanned pregnancies and a variety of health and social issues. For example, women who experience an unintended pregnancy are more likely to have insufficient prenatal care than those who are attempting to become pregnant.

While existing federal laws attempt to protect an individual's right to contraceptive choices and accessibility, the Assembly recognizes that a lack of clarity and legal loopholes often result in a violation of these rights. Family Day, a day hosted by Family Planning Advocates of New York and Assemblymembers Richard Gottfried and Pat Fahy in the Capitol, coincided with the announcement of this important legislation and I had an opportunity to address the advocates there.