For some women without insurance, obtaining birth control can mean a costly trip to the doctor’s office, but starting next month, a law passed two years ago at the state legislature will begin allowing some women to get birth control without that visit, and without a prescription.
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association says the change will address a growing coverage gap in Tennessee of women who can't afford to see a doctor for a birth control prescription.
Not all pharmacies will be allowed to give out birth control without a prescription at first. They have to be trained in it -- part of the rules developed after the laws were passed.
“These boards are charged with protecting public safety so they had to get their questions answered if this is going to be safe, and at the end of the day the answer was yes this is going to be great for the public, said Micah Cost, director of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association.
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association says women who do have insurance will still be encouraged to see their doctor or OB/GYN for a birth control prescription.
