Assemblymember Mia Bonta Champions Equitable Access to Over-the-Counter Birth Control as Governor Signs AB 50

New law will eliminate barriers for Medi-Cal recipients, ensuring equal access to over-the-counter contraceptives regardless of income or insurance provider.

• Daniel McGreevy
• Communications Coordinator
• (916) 319-2589
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO - Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 50, the Equity in Birth Control Act, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. The bill ensures Medi-Cal recipients can access over-the-counter birth control without a prescription, eliminating unnecessary barriers to streamline Californians' access to FDA-approved contraception.

"Accessing reproductive care should never depend on your income or type of insurance," said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. "AB 50 ensures that Medi-Cal recipients can access over-the-counter birth control just like those with private insurance. As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I remain committed to expanding California's leadership in reproductive justice, especially as a federal administration seeks to roll back reproductive rights and leave our daughters with fewer freedoms than their mothers had."

"This critical bill removes a systemic barrier that has denied Californians with Medi-Cal coverage from the same over-the-counter birth control access as those with private insurance. No one should face barriers to birth control-especially when it is available off the shelf and without a prescription at local pharmacies. This needed fix comes at a time when reproductive health care and providers are under attack and offers a new option and pathway to contraception for Medi-Cal enrollees," said Amy Moy, Co-CEO of Essential Access Health. "We thank Assemblymember Bonta for her leadership, applaud the Legislature's strong bipartisan support, and appreciate Governor Newsom signing AB 50 into law. Essential Access Health has co-sponsored every major birth control access law in California over the past 15 years-and we will not stop until everyone can get the contraception they need, when and where they need it."

AB 50 was supported by a coalitionof health advocates, local governments, and women's rights organizations. The law goes into effect immediately.

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Assemblymember Mia Bontarepresents California's 18^th Assembly District encompassing the East Bay including Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE.