Hawaii House Bill HCR159

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging Retail Stores And Pharmacies Doing Business In The State To Adopt A Policy On A National And Local Level Guaranteeing An Individual's Unhindered Access To All United States Food And Drug Administration-approved Contraceptives.

Impact

By emphasizing the necessity of accessible contraception, this resolution aims to directly address the barriers that people face, including affordability, availability, and pharmacy refusals to dispense contraceptives. HCR159 seeks to catalyze a statewide response to improve access to contraceptive care, which is essential for empowering women through family planning and informed reproductive choices. The proposals contained within HCR159 reflect an effort to enhance public health by reducing unintended pregnancies and associated health risks.

Summary

HCR159 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that urges retail stores and pharmacies operating within the state to adopt policies that guarantee individuals unhindered access to all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contraceptives. The resolution highlights the widespread use and importance of contraception in ensuring women's health and economic self-sufficiency, while also noting the negative impacts of unintended pregnancies on both societal health outcomes and economic stability for families, particularly among certain demographics in Hawaii.

Contention

The resolution also brings to light the contentious issue of pharmacist refusals and access barriers like the practice of storing condoms behind locked glass, which prevents easy access to contraceptives. While proponents of the resolution suggest that policy changes can mitigate these barriers, opponents may argue about the implications for religious or personal beliefs of pharmacists regarding dispensing contraceptives. Overall, HCR159 represents a significant step towards addressing reproductive health access in Hawaii, potentially highlighting broader national conversations about healthcare rights and accessibility.