And for seven years the predominantly LDS Legislature has refused to swallow any legislation seen as promoting contraception, despite doctors stressing they also use the hormone therapy to treat acne and migraine headaches, and to prevent miscarriages and conditions that can jeopardize a woman's fertility.

In a vote split on party lines, the so-called "pill bill" died in committee on Friday while Julander, who recently resigned for health reasons, looked on.

Julander's appointed replacement, Salt Lake City Democratic Sen. Scott McCoy, vows to revive the measure next year.

But Sen. Greg Bell believes "Julander should declare victory." The Fruit Heights Republican credits Julander for raising public awareness, resulting in 98 percent of insurance plans now covering the pill, compared to 33 percent seven years ago.

McCoy asks if that's true, what's the harm in requiring the remaining 2 percent to step up their coverage?

Medicaid and state employee insurance plans cover prescription contraceptives.

But small businesses and manufacturers opposed the bill, saying it imposes a mandate on insurers who may pass costs onto employers and employees in the form of higher premiums. Low-income advocates, doctors and nurses support the bill.

"There's a new game in town" where insurers charge exorbitant co-pays that sometimes exceed the actual cost of the pill, said Cynthia Jones, an OB-GYN representing the Utah chapter of the American Medical Association.

Stansbury Park Democrat Sen. Ron Allen noted, "We're always discussing how we can reduce or eliminate abortions. Contraceptive use is one of them."

Julander pleaded with her former colleagues to do justice by "our mothers, sisters and daughters."

But with two Republicans absent - Senate President John Valentine and Brigham City Sen. Pete Knudson - the bill was rejected 2-2.