The Pine Ridge Service Unit in South Dakota. Photo from Dean Kurtz Construction

The Indian Health Service has improed access to emergency contraception but coverage remains uneven and the agency still lacks a written policy.

Over a year ago, the IHS issued a verbal directive to dispense Plan B without consultation or prescription and without regard to age. But a survey of 69 facilities by the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center found that only 80 percent carried the drug and 72 percent imposed age restrictions.

"It's over a year later and here we are," Charon Asetoyer, the group's chief executive officer, told Jezebel. "Indian Health Services is still out of compliance."

Asetoyer blamed the spotty coverage on the lack of a written policy. The agency has yet to document its emergency contraceptive procedures.

Get the Story:
Why Are Native American Women Still Being Denied Access to Plan B? (Jezebel 11/12)

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Al Jazeera: Native women face barriers with access to Plan B (9/24)
IHS plans to offer emergency contraception without age limit (9/20)
IHS tells clinics to expand access to emergency contraception (9/19)
Native Sun News: Oglala Sioux activist tackles women's rights (6/3)