Over the counter birth control could be available in GA soon. Here’s what to know

Georgia just passed legislation that authorizes pharmacists to dispense and administer birth control pills and injections without a prescription from a doctor.

House Bill 1138, now sent to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, is a significant stride in women’s health and comes at a time when Georgia is reaching a healthcare crisis. As of 2024, 82 Georgia counties had no OB-GYN, and 19 counties had no family medicine doctor at all.

The bill, which had strong support in both the Senate and House, will clear the way for patients to obtain access to birth control with no appointment, no referral and no long wait time, making it a significant upgrade for many people in Georgia.

What House Bill 1138 covers

Georgia State Representative Beth Camp (R-Concord) is the primary sponsor of the bill, which is also known as the Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act.

Pharmacists are not required to participate with the act, and it has an opt-in conscience clause for those who don’t.

Coverage includes:

• Birth control pills, the Depo-Provera shot, and NuvaRing, with language designed to be inclusive of future contraceptive options
• Access to patients 18 and older; those under 18 must show evidence of a previous prescription from a doctor
• First-time patients to get a three-month supply; subsequent visits allow up to a 12-month supply

Conditions of HB 1138

There are a few conditions patients should know before heading to the pharmacy counter.

• Pharmacists are required to notify a patient’s primary care doctor if contraception is dispensed Patients without a primary doctor will be advised to get one
• Health insurance policies and Medicaid must cover at least a three-month supply of birth control under the legislation
• The law won’t take effect until 2027 (deadline for the Department of Public Health and the State Board of Pharmacy to finalize rules)

Options for birth control in the meantime

The 2027 implementation date means local pharmacies won’t be dispensing under the new law for at least a year.

• Georgia Department of Public Health
• Planned Parenthood in Atlanta
• Georgia Family Planning System
• Bedsider

Once Gov. Kemp signs the Act, Georgia will be a part of a growing national trend. Pharmacists in 36 other states are already able to dispense contraceptives.

For instance, similar legislation in Oregon was estimated to avert about 51 unintended pregnancies in its first two years, saving $1.6 million.

If you would like to learn more about something, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.