A state representative is hoping to expand access to birth control by allowing pharmacists to dispense the pill to women without a doctor's prescription.

Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, who is an orthopedic surgeon, said the proposal, if implemented, would look as if the birth control pills were being dispensed over the counter. The amendment, which was submitted Wednesday, is attached to a bill designed to define pharmacists' scope of practice and their coordination with physicians.

Buehler said that while he was working on House Bill 2028, he learned that pharmacists could dispense emergency contraceptives but not preventive contraceptives without a physician's prescription. He looked at research regarding the issue, and found literature that vouched for the safety of over-the-counter contraceptives and potentially improved health outcomes by reducing unintended pregnancies by up to 25 percent.

California has passed similar legislation, according to Buehler's office.

The House health care committee could vote on the bill Friday.

The option would only be available to women age 18 and older and they would be required to undergo a self-screening questionnaire. The pharmacist would also be required to advise the women to contact their primary care provider. Pharmacists could choose not to participate for any moral, ethical or religious objections.

Buehler said because the birth control would still be prescribed for the patient, he believes all insurance plans would continue to cover the medication.

He said considering the clear advantages to women's health, he expects broad support from his colleagues.

"I hope people can see why this is so good for women's health and rise above the usual party politics," he said., (503) 399-6673 or follow at

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