WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Burgess Owens co-sponsored the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) ensuring adult women can access FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control. 

“Ensuring accessible and safe contraception for women is a commonsense policy,” said Rep. Owens. “I am a proud co-sponsor of the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act because it paves the way for safe, effective, and accessible over-the-counter contraception options for women at their local pharmacy.” 

Specifically, the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act would: 

• Require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to give priority review to already-approved, safe oral contraceptives for routine use (not emergency contraceptives) so that they can be available over the counter for adult women. 
• Repeal the contribution limit to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and waives Internal Revenue Service (IRS) “stockpiling” rules for routine-use oral contraceptives so women can be more in control of their own health care purchasing decisions.  

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