On Wednesday, the Iowa Senate passed a bill on bipartisan lines, 42 to six, that would allow pharmacists to dispense birth control. It will now move to the House for debate. District 12 Republican Representative, Brian Best, says he is in favor of the bill and has voted for it in committee. He believes it will pass through the House as well. He adds that he is under the belief that it is not a requirement for pharmacists, but rather an optional service they can provide.
Pharmacists have been undergoing training on the proper dosing levels for about six years now. However, Best says the customers will still need to provide detailed information, just as they do at a doctor’s office.
At a recent Carroll Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum, Best was asked by one of the constituents if this was a pro-choice bill.
There is a stipulation in the bill that the customer must be 18 years of age to purchase birth control from the pharmacy. Best will be providing updates on the bills and issues debated and passing through the House over the past week live in the 8 a.m. news hour Friday on KCIM, 1380 AM and 95.1 FM.
