The Illinois House passed legislation today requiring health insurance plans to cover birth control. Democratic Representative Elaine Nekritz of Northbrook says this is already federal law... but the proposal's aim is to ensure women in Illinois have access by allowing a 12-month prescription.
The measure had significant pushback from representatives who oppose abortion because it includes emergency contraception.
Republican Representative Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon says the legislation is burdensome to business.
"I seriously question how much promiscuity should an insurance company pay? How much?"
Representative Nekritz countered it takes two to be promiscuous and the legislation doesn't force religious groups to cover birth control. The measure heads to the Senate next.