Arkansas: State supports availability of contraceptives to all persons.
With Governor Dale Bumpers' approval on March 7, Arkansas formally adopted as a state policy the availability of "all medically acceptable contraceptive procedures, supplies and information ...  through legally recognized channels to each and every person desirous of the same regardless of sex, race, age, income, number of children, marital status, citizenship or motive (Act 235, Laws 1973)."  The new law further declares that the  dissemination of contraceptive information in state and county health and welfare departments, in medical facilities, and at institutions of higher learning is consistent with the state's public policy.  The newly enacted bill, sponsored by Representative Boyce Alford, specifically gives any persone 18 and older the authority to consent to voluntary sterilization.  Persons under 18 may also consent to the operation if they are married.  It gives any institution, doctor, or pharmacist the right to refuse to furnish contraceptive information or supplies and it does not require them to refer the patient elsewhere for services.  The bill passed the legislature by votes of 62-0 in the House on February 7 and 26-1 in the Senate on February 20.
D000569:Americas; D001131:Arkansas; D003267:Contraception; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019049:Developed Countries; D005193:Family Planning Services; D006285:Health Planning; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D009656:North America; D009934:Organization and Administration; D014481:United States
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