SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at ensuring ready access to contraceptives.
The bill that requires insurance plans cover a full range of contraceptives without co-payments from customers now heads to the Senate after Monday's approval on a 40-24 vote.
Bill sponsor Deborah Armstrong of Albuquerque casts access to contraception as a "family issue" and provides parity between men and women. Her initiative would provide access to birth control pills and vasectomies at no cost to consumers.
Under the bill, religious groups that purchase insurance coverage may exclude prescription contraceptives from covered purchases.
Republicans opposed the bill in unison, along with Democratic Reps. Harry Garcia of Grants and Anthony Allison of Fruitland.