OR House OKs required coverage for birth control

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Story Published: Mar 15, 2007 at 1:17 PM PST

By Associated Press

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SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A bill that would require private insurers to cover prescription birth control is headed for the Oregon Senate after passing the House 49-9.

Advocates hailed the bill's passage as a hard-won victory, after years of seeing legislation they backed bottled up in committees. They say half of all insurance plans in Oregon don't cover prescription birth control.

"This is basic health care for women and should be treated as such. It's time to correct this inequity," said Rep. Tobias Read, D-Beaverton.

The bill would also require Oregon hospitals to inform victims of sexual assault about emergency contraception, like the "morning-after pill," and dispense the pill if women ask for it. If taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, such a pill can significantly decrease the chances that a woman will get pregnant.

The bill contains an exemption for religious employers that provide health benefits.

Opponents of the bill include private insurers, which typically try to fend off government requirements, and some religious groups, like the Catholic Conference.

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