Bill to ensure access to contraception advances in Pennsylvania, aided by dozens of GOP House votes

A proposal to ensure access to contraceptives is moving ahead in the Pennsylvania Legislature after drawing dozens of Republican votes. The bill approved in the state House by a vote of 133 to 69 on Tuesday faces an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled Senate. The bill would have the state health secretary or physician general issue a statewide standing order for FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, including emergency contraception. It would mandate that health insurance and government programs cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products that have been prescribed, without copays.