The issue of contraceptive equity gained momentum when insurance companies in large number decided to cover the male impotence drug Viagra. Women's groups argued that it was illogical to cover treatment of male sexual dysfunction without providing coverage for drugs and devices that would reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. The best of contraceptive equity laws meet two criteria:
1) The laws provide health care coverage for the full range of contraception needs by covering medical appointments and all FDA-approved drugs and devices;
2) The laws do not contain loopholes that weaken them and discriminate against women by permitting employers or health insurance plans to refuse coverage based on a religious view that their employees do not necessarily share.
The chart below indicates whether or not a state has a contraceptive equity law. States in gray do not have contraceptive equity laws of any sort.