California State Assembly Passes Bill to Support Direct Access to Reproductive Health

BERKELEY/LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, the California Assembly passed a bill to support direct access to reproductive health with a vote of 53-24.

Authored by Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, AB 1954 – the Direct Access to Reproductive Health Act – is straight forward, common sense legislation that seeks to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens that create barriers to sexual and reproductive health care access. If enacted, Californians enrolled in commercial health plans could no longer be required to get a referral from a primary care provider prior to obtaining these essential and time sensitive services.

With sexual and reproductive health care, every day counts. The inability to access services in a timely manner can lead to negative health outcomes including increased risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. For women seeking abortion care, having to get a referral prior to receiving the procedure can create confidentiality concerns and delay the time of their appointment.

Current law allows direct access to an OB/GYN but health plans currently vary widely in their referral policies. For example, one health plan only allows women to access their OB/GYN without a referral if the patient designates an OB/GYN as her PCP. Other commercial health plans don’t require a referral from a PCP for any reproductive or sexual health service, while others require referrals for any non-emergency care.

AB 1954 will level the playing field and ensure equal and direct access for all - not some Californians - enrolled in commercial health plans.

The measure also recognizes that direct access should be about the time sensitive services received, not the provider type - as a significant portion of the sexual and reproductive health provided in California and across the country is performed by other licensed health care professionals, including Nurse Practitioners.

AB 1954 is co-sponsored by four of California’s leading reproductive-health advocates – Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, and Black Women for Wellness.

“For many women, reproductive health is their gateway into the health system,” said Amy Moy, Vice President of Public Affairs at Essential Access Health. “AB 1954 continues our state’s leadership in advancing policy innovations that help Californians access these essential health services in a timely manner.”