Governor Dunleavy Vetoes Essential Birth Control Access Legislation

This veto flies in the face of overwhelming bipartisan support and plays politics with the health of people in Alaska.

Juneau, AK — Today, just days after the bill reached his desk, Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 17 which would have required insurance providers to cover up to 12 months of birth control at a time. This legislation could have provided crucial, consistent access to necessary medication, yet the Governor chose to play political games with the health of people in Alaska. This veto will continue to make comprehensive family planning more difficult as 1 in 3 women have missed pills because they could not get the next pack in time. 

Not only is this decision deplorable but it is starkly out of line with the values of our state. This veto is a clear signal that conservatives are not stopping with abortion bans. These relentless attacks on our bodily autonomy and reproductive rights will continue to escalate here in Alaska and across the country. 

Statement from Rep. Ashley Carrick (she/hers), HB17 Sponsor

“Governor Dunleavy’s veto of HB 17, after eight years of tireless effort, overwhelming community support, and positive collaboration with the insurance companies, is deeply disappointing. There is simply no justifiable reason to veto a bill that would ensure every person in Alaska, no matter where they live, has access to essential medication, like birth control. Ths veto is among a number of clear examples of how Governor Dunleavy continues to prioritize politics and power over the well-being of our communities, denying Alaskans the right to make the best medical decisions for themselves in consultation with their doctor. Ultimately, HB 17 directly serves policies that support protecting families, a cause Dunleavy claims to care about. HB 17 would have made great strides to reduce abortion rates, prevent unintended pregnancies, and allow women in our communities to have autonomy and freedom in their health care decisions.” 

Statement from Rose O-Hara-Jolley (they/them), PPAA Alaska State Director

“Vetoing HB 17 is a blatant failure of leadership and an insult to the public health of people in Alaska. Governor Dunleavy has chosen to keep barriers in place that make it difficult for all folks to access essential medication. Those who live outside of our urban centers — either year-round or seasonally — deserve the same access to birth control as those who live near a pharmacy. Furthermore, this veto perpetuates harm to those in abusive relationships by keeping in place unnecessary obstacles that prevent them from accessing the care they need, without endangering themselves further.”

The Governor’s decision to veto this bill ignores the well-being of constituents. It is a disservice to the community and reflects a disregard for the basic health care needs of the state.  We will not stop fighting for policies that ensure consistent and uninterrupted access to contraceptive care for all.

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Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Serving AK, HI, ID, IN, KY, WA (PPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization educating residents and policymakers about reproductive health issues in Alaska, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky and Washington. PPAA lobbies and educates to advance Planned Parenthood's mission, and engages in limited electoral activities