Federal bill would require pharmacies to fill birth control without delay
In committeeH.R. 4084Latest action
Sponsor: Robin L. Kelly · Representative · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Access to Birth Control Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 4084 requires pharmacies to promptly fill birth control prescriptions and bars staff from harassing or deceiving customers seeking contraception.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 4084 would require pharmacies nationwide to fill contraceptive prescriptions and sell FDA-approved birth control products without unnecessary delays. If a contraceptive is out of stock, the pharmacy must immediately inform the customer and either help transfer the prescription to a nearby pharmacy or order the product quickly. Pharmacy staff would be prohibited from harassing customers, lying about product availability, or refusing to return a valid prescription.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects all retail pharmacies that sell prescription drugs and their employees. It also affects any customer seeking birth control or related medications, including emergency contraception.
Why does it matter?
Pharmacies that fail to comply could face fines and lawsuits, creating financial and legal pressure to follow the new requirements. States may keep or create their own contraceptive access laws, but only if those laws provide at least as many protections as this federal bill.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Fines up to $1,000 per day
- Customers can sue for damages
- Legal fees recoverable by customers
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 23, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 23, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.