Gov. Brown signs bill ensuring health care providers cover reproductive services

SALEM, Ore. – Gov. Kate Brown singed a House bill Monday that requires health care providers to cover the cost of reproductive health.

House Bill 3391 requires health care benefit programs to cover specific reproductive health care services including drugs, devices, products and procedures.

After signing the bill, Brown tweeted saying, “Comprehensive reproductive health is a fundamental right. Proud to ceremonially sign HB 3391 ensuring access for all Oregonian families.”

The bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to reimburse reproductive health care expenses. OHA will need to implement a program in order to do this.

The bill says the benefits plans must be available to anyone who can become pregnant and who would be eligible for medical assistance if not for federal requirements standing in the way.

The legislation also prohibits the government from interfering with a woman’s choice to terminate her pregnancy.

The government also cannot interfere with a health care provider assisting in terminating the pregnancy, as long as the healthcare provider is acting within the scope of its license.

The bill does allow exceptions for health benefit plans sold to religious employers.