Panel approves measure letting pharmacists dispense up to six months of oral contraceptives

Senator Brianne Davis presented House Bill 10‑69 to allow pharmacists to dispense oral contraceptives for up to six months after a pharmacist screening, with training requirements for pharmacists and a referral to a primary care provider. Davis framed the bill as a pro‑life measure that would reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions by expanding access to birth control; she cited comparative state data and projections estimating a potential reduction of 7–25 percent in unwanted pregnancies among the affected population.

Opponents included pro‑life advocates, attorneys and clinicians who argued the measure is not "pro‑life," raised concerns about side effects and medical contraindications for oral contraceptives, and warned that widespread pharmacy dispensing could advantage large retail chains over local clinics. Rose Mims (said she represents herself but has long served as executive director of Arkansas Right to Life) told senators the bill is not a pro‑life bill and warned it advances the agenda of organizations that support expanded contraceptive access.

Pharmacists and pregnancy‑center witnesses also raised safety and logistics concerns: Marcia Boss, a pharmacist who testified against the bill, pointed to the number of contraindications and the need for informed consent, and questioned whether typical pharmacy workflows could support the screening and documentation required. Senator Davis said the bill includes reporting requirements to the Department of Health and that the rulemaking process could refine operational details; supporters argued the change would help people without immediate access to a primary care clinician.

The committee moved and passed the bill by voice vote. The transcript shows the motion, second and a voice vote; it does not supply a final numeric tally in the excerpt.