SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A proposal in the Utah Legislature would allow female jail inmates to use birth control while behind bars, though some county sheriffs are concerned about cost of providing the medications.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports Democratic Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost says birth control should be no different from other needed medications, and women shouldn't be punished by increasing their risk of unwanted pregnancy.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera says she likes the concept, but she worries about both the price of the medication and the extra staff needed to distribute it.
A similar bill was passed in California in 2017, specifying that female prisoners have the right to request both contraceptives and family planning services.
The bill is currently being held in committee.