
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 05: Arizona Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs (C) greets attendees during a Teamsters picnic at Encanto Park on November 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. With three days to go before election day, Arizona democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs continues to campaign across the state as she faces a tight race against Trump endorsed republican candidate Kari Lake. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Adults in Arizona can now obtain contraceptive medications over the counter at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription under a governor’s order announced Thursday.
Gov. Katie Hobbs said the rule will go into effect immediately. It applies to self-administered birth control such as hormonal and oral contraceptives, and patients 18 or older need only complete a screening and a blood pressure test.
“We are building an Arizona for everyone, which means ensuring people across the state have what they need to live a free and healthy life,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.
Over 20 states have statutes that let pharmacists dispense FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives without a prescription, according to a statement from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Hobbs has used her executive powers in recent weeks to promote reproductive freedom. In June she issued a sweeping executive order effectively stripping prosecutors of their ability to pursue charges against anyone involved with a legally obtained abortion.
She also plans to support legislation next year that would codify access to birth control.
Subscribe to The Copper Courier’s daily newsletter! We keep it 💯—just like the temperature.
Politics

VIDEO: US Rep. Andy Biggs made expelled congressman George Santos’ ‘Yay List’ on Cameo
@coppercourier East Valley US Rep. Andy Biggs made expelled congressman George Santos’ “Yay List.” 🚩🚩🚩 . . . . . . . #azpol #aznews #andybiggs...

Local drag queens stole the show at Chappell Roan’s Phoenix concert
When fans gathered for pop star Chappell Roan’s concert in Phoenix on Nov. 3, they weren’t greeted by a typical opening act. Instead of a band or...
Local News

Arizona Jewish Historical Society unveils plans for Holocaust education center
A Holocaust education center is coming to Arizona in the next couple of years. The Arizona Jewish Historical Society announced on Nov. 29 that it...

Arizona native Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman on US Supreme Court, dies at 93
WASHINGTON (AP) — Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, an unwavering voice of moderate conservatism and the first woman to serve on...