Bill > S2302

This bill aims to establish clear duties for pharmacies to ensure access to contraception and related medications. Specifically, the bill requires pharmacies that receive FDA-approved contraceptive drugs or devices to provide these products to customers without delay, either by having the item in stock or by quickly offering alternatives like referrals to other pharmacies or expedited ordering. Pharmacies must create an environment free from intimidation, harassment, or obstruction when customers request contraception, and employees are prohibited from misrepresenting product availability, breaching medical confidentiality, or refusing to return valid prescriptions. The bill includes exceptions for situations where a prescription is not valid, the customer cannot pay, or a pharmacist makes a professional clinical judgment. Pharmacies that violate these requirements can face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day, with a maximum of $100,000 for violations adjudicated in a single proceeding. Customers who are aggrieved by violations can also pursue civil action. The legislation is contextually grounded in findings about the importance of contraceptive access, highlighting disparities in contraceptive use, the role of contraception in reproductive autonomy, and increasing challenges to birth control access, particularly following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. The bill seeks to protect contraceptive access as a fundamental right and ensure consistent, non-discriminatory service across pharmacies nationwide.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2302/all-info