Governor vetoes birth control access legislation

Nearly a week after reaching his desk, Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 17, which would have required insurance providers to cover up to 12 months of birth control at a time and providing medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services.

“Governor Dunleavy’s veto of HB 17, after eight years of tireless effort, overwhelming community support, and positive collaboration with the insurance companies, is deeply disappointing. There is simply no justifiable reason to veto a bill that would ensure every person in Alaska, no matter where they live, has access to essential medication, like birth control,” said Representative Ashley Carrick of Fairbanks, who sponsored HB17, who expressed disappointment in the veto, saying that the veto was denying Alaskans the right to make the best medical decisions for themselves in consultation with their doctor.

“Ultimately, HB 17 directly serves policies that support protecting families, a cause Dunleavy claims to care about. HB 17 would have made great strides to reduce abortion rates, prevent unintended pregnancies, and allow women in our communities to have autonomy and freedom in their health care decisions.”

Rose O-Hara-Jolley, Alaska State Director of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates said the veto keeps barriers in place that make it difficult for people to access essential medication. “Those who live outside of our urban centers — either year-round or seasonally — deserve the same access to birth control as those who live near a pharmacy. Furthermore, this veto perpetuates harm to those in abusive relationships by keeping in place unnecessary obstacles that prevent them from accessing the care they need, without endangering themselves further.”