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Plan B Laws by State 2024

Plan B Laws by State 2024

Emergency contraceptives, like Plan B One-Step, are a vital part of reproductive healthcare, offering a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive mishaps. Unlike daily birth control methods, Plan B is taken after sex to lower the chances of pregnancy. It's available over-the-counter, making it convenient for those who need quick pregnancy prevention. But the rules around it differ across states in the U.S.

In the United States, the legality and accessibility of emergency contraceptives vary from state to state. While Plan B One-Step is legal in all 50 states, regulations surrounding its distribution and access can differ significantly. For instance, some states allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for non-over-the-counter emergency contraceptives, while others have specific provisions ensuring access to these medications. This patchwork of regulations can lead to confusion and disparities in access to essential reproductive healthcare services.

Recent discussions and debates surrounding emergency contraceptives have highlighted the importance of clear and consistent regulations nationwide. With the ongoing changes in reproductive health policies and the shifting legal landscape, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about their rights and options regarding emergency contraception. Additionally, public education campaigns and efforts to destigmatize emergency contraceptives can help ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Plan B Laws by State 2024

  • Plan B One-Step is an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraceptive, also known as a "morning after pill", which prevents a pregnancy from occurring.
  • Several other emergency contraceptives (ECs) exist, but require a prescription because they have a non-OTC classification.
  • Non-OTC emergency contraceptives are regulated in many states, as shown in the table below.
  • ECs should not be confused with medications used to induce a medical abortion, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, which end a pregnancy.
  • While ECs are legal in all 50 states, medical abortion drugs have been outlawed in an increasing number of states since the Supreme Court's 2022 overturning of Roe vs Wade.
  • In some states pharmacies and/or pharmacists are given specific permission to refuse to fill prescriptions for non-OTC ECs. Other states grant broad permissions to refuse that may apply to pharmacists and pharmacies, but do not specifically name them.

50 Rows

State
Plan B Legality
ER May Give Non-OTC EC Upon Request
Pharmacist May Give Non-OTC w/ Out Prescription
Pharmacist or Pharmacy Can Refuse to Fill Prescription
Additional Details
AlabamaLegal
AlaskaLegal
ArizonaLegalYes - both
ArkansasLegalYes - both
CaliforniaLegalYesYes - Collaborative Practice Agreement Yes - State-Approved Protocol
ColoradoLegalYes - both
ConnecticutLegalYesYes - State-Approved Protocol
DelawareLegal
FloridaLegalYes - pharmacist
GeorgiaLegalYes - pharmacist
HawaiiLegalYesYes - Collaborative Practice Agreement
IdahoLegalYes - pharmacist
IllinoisLegalYesYes - both
IndianaLegal
IowaLegal
KansasLegal
KentuckyLegal
LouisianaLegalRestrictedYes - both
In 2022, Louisiana House Bill No. 1061 established that emergency contraception could only be legall...
MaineLegalYesYes - both
MarylandLegal
MassachusettsLegalYesYes - Collaborative Practice Agreement
MichiganLegal
MinnesotaLegalYes
MississippiLegalYes - both
MissouriLegal
MontanaLegal
NebraskaLegal
NevadaLegalYes
New HampshireLegalYes - Collaborative Practice Agreement
New JerseyLegalYes
New MexicoLegalYesYes - State-Approved Protocol
New YorkLegalYes
North CarolinaLegal
North DakotaLegal
OhioLegal
OklahomaLegal
OregonLegalYes
PennsylvaniaLegalYes
A hospital may refuse, based on religious or moral beliefs, to provide emergency contraception when ...
Rhode IslandLegal
South CarolinaLegalYes
South DakotaLegalYes - pharmacist
TennesseeLegalYes - both
TexasLegal
UtahLegalYes
VermontLegal
VirginiaLegal
WashingtonLegalYesYes - Collaborative Practice Agreement
West VirginiaLegal
WisconsinLegalYes
WyomingLegal

Sources