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Democrat legislators want to make contraceptive coverage mandatory for insurance companies.

JEFFERSON CITY - Many insurance companies in Missouri cover the costs of Viagra. Now, some legislators propose forcing insurance firms to cover for women the potential consequences from Viagra.

Two bills proposed by Democrat lawmakers would require insurance plans to cover the costs contraceptives at the same level as they cover other prescription drugs. The proposals were heard Monday night by the House Critical Issues Committee.

"It's hypocritical that insurance plans don't cover this," said Rep. May Scheve, D-St.Louis County, sponsor of one of the bills. "It's treating your recipients unfairly."

Rep. Quincy Troupe, D-St.Louis, introduced the other bill. He said that "women suffer a lack of support. Even if vasectomies are covered, insurance companies don't deal with the real problem."

Troupe also said that every year, one million women suffer unwanted pregnancies in the U.S., and this should be fought with good sex education and free contraception.

Troupe argues that the costs of getting Viagra should continue being covered by the insurance plans.

"The issue is getting all facilities to everyone. It's all about fairness," he said.

In the other side, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, says that, in her opinion, giving coverage for contraceptives would make insurance companies raise their prices.

"I have many individuals in my county asking me to try to decrease insurance costs, and I think this would increase the costs," she said.