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CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a November ballot question that'll ask voters if they think prescription drug coverage plans should be required to include birth control.
The Chicago Democrat inked the non-binding question Sunday. In a statement, Quinn says a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on birth control has brought the issue of women's rights to the forefront.
Illinois already requires insurance providers that cover prescription drugs to also cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs for women.
State Sen. Iris Martinez sponsored that legislation, which became law in 2003. She's a sponsor of the ballot measure and says t's necessary to make the argument stronger in light of the Affordable Care Act and court disputes.
But Republicans argue it's a gimmick intended to boost Democratic voter turnout.
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The bill is HB5755.
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