Alaska’s leaders appear to be far apart on abortion and reproductive rights.
The state’s Republican governor vetoed legislation that would expand birth control access; meanwhile, a judge struck down a state law that puts limits on who can perform abortions in the state.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s (R-AK) veto halted bipartisan legislation that would have mandated health insurance companies to cover up to a year’s supply of birth control at a time. It passed in the Republican-controlled state House by 29-11 and in the bipartisan-led state Senate by 16-3. Insurance companies did not express any opposition to the bill, which was written to provide birth control medication to women living in distant rural communities.
The veto will keep limitations on Medicaid patients receiving birth control pills, which are only provided to them one month at a time. This makes it more difficult for women who live in remote villages only accessible by plane.
“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,” said Democratic state Rep. Ashley Carrick, the bill’s sponsor. “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.”