Arizona Representative Fights for Contraceptive Equity

This year, Arizona Rep. Linda Binder led the fight for contraceptive equity legislation long championed by CPA. And she won. Binder was “absolutely appalled” when she discovered that her state did not require insurers that provide prescription drug coverage to cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives.

To help fix this inequity, Binder recruited freshman Senator Virginia Yrun, former President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Southern Arizona, as the Senate sponsor. Binder also worked with a variety of women’s advocacy organizations including Business & Professional Women, the Association of American University Women, Family Planning Clinic, and Planned Parenthood.

Initially, the insurance industry attempted to kill the bill, claiming the measure would result in increased premiums. After addressing this concern, a compromise bill was drafted that excluded individual policies and exempted experimental forms of birth control. This bill then moved fairly smoothly through both houses.

However, a small but vocal Catholic church group lobbied Gov. Jane Hull to veto the bill, claiming such a law would infringe upon the beliefs of faith-based organizations. At first, Binder had assumed that the governor, married to an ob-gyn, would be a ready-made supporter. “From this turn of events, I learned that you can not assume anything. You have to look for minefields everywhere,” commented Binder.

The coalition members were instrumental at this important stage. These groups helped put pressure on Hull to sign the legislation by bombarding her office with calls as the bill awaited her signature. In addition, Binder called on influential officeholders, including the Arizona Secretary of State and Attorney General, to write letters to Hull in support of the bill.

Eventually, religious organizations that oppose contraception were exempted only if the employees and clients share the same religious beliefs, and the bill was signed into law. Noting that there is “always room for improvement” in future sessions, Binder described the law as “a great step for women in Arizona.”

Binder has served in the Arizona Legislature since 1998. She is Chair of the Counties and Municipalities Committee, and sits on the Judiciary, Health and Natural Resources and Agriculture Committees. She previously served as Vice-Mayor and City Council Member for Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and is the former President of the Lake Havasu City Chamber of Commerce.