Event Title

Are Women Getting the Lowest Price? Women's Access to Low Cost Birth Control Pills in Minnesota

Presenter Information

Julie Kent, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 284

Start Date

25-4-2006 9:30 AM

End Date

25-4-2006 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Gender and Women's Studies

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Susan Freeman

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Recently United States politicians have addressed the problem of women's access to low cost prescription birth control pills through private insurance companies across the United States. Only a few states have passed state laws to require private insurance companies to cover prescription birth control pills. Illinois state governor Rod R. Blagojevich in 2005 endorsed a campaign for women to obtain low cost birth control pills. To investigate the status of access in Minnesota, I have surveyed 20 heterosexual college women and-reviewed 10 business insurance plans. With this information in hand, I contacted 15 Minnesota representatives from the state and local DEL party to assess their reaction to the Illinois program and their position on contraceptive access for Minnesota women. The project contributed to awareness of the need for Minnesota legislators to take action for women's health and contraceptive access.