Owens Co-Sponsors the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act

Statement

This week, Rep. Burgess Owens co-sponsored the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) ensuring adult women can access FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control.

"Ensuring accessible and safe contraception for women is a commonsense policy," said Rep. Owens. "I am a proud co-sponsor of the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act because it paves the way for safe, effective, and accessible over-the-counter contraception options for women at their local pharmacy."

Specifically, the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act would:

Require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give priority review to already-approved, safe oral contraceptives for routine use (not emergency contraceptives) so that they can be available over the counter for adult women.
Repeal the contribution limit to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and waives Internal Revenue Service (IRS) "stockpiling" rules for routine-use oral contraceptives so women can be more in control of their own health care purchasing decisions.

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