Massachusetts First State to Guarantee Birth Control Coverage

Massachusetts on Monday became the first state to guarantee free birth control coverage without a copay, thanks to the bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, MassLive reported.

"This legislation will ensure no woman in Massachusetts, irrespective of what goes on in Washington, will worry about whether her healthcare services and rights will be affected here in the commonwealth," Baker said after signing the bill.

The law ensures that women would continue to receive free birth control even if Obamacare is repealed by the Republican-controlled Congress.

The Massachusetts bill does allow for an exemption to churches and religious institutions, as opposed to President Donald Trump's rollback of the contraceptive mandate last month that allows any employer to refuse offering birth control coverage on religious or moral grounds.

Planned Parenthood is urging more states to follow Massachusetts' lead.

"Birth control coverage is still at risk for women nationwide under the Trump administration," Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards said. "We need everyone — lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, business leaders, artists — to follow Massachusetts’ lead and take action."

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