The Maine House of Representatives has refused to authorize a legislative study on whether it is too easy for minors to get prescription contraceptives.

The House rejected the Senate-backed plan on a 75-67 vote Thursday, but the proposal now goes back to the Senate, where supporters hope to continue the fight.

At least some opponents said Thursday the issue is effectively dead for this legislative session, but supporters said that remains to be seen.

The sponsor of the drive, Republican Sen. Douglas Smith of Dover-Foxcroft, wants the Legislature to require parental consent before birth control can be prescribed to minors.

Smith says he proposed the change in response to the controversy that arose at the King Middle School in Portland last year, after the Portland School Committee voted to allow a health center at the school to prescribe contraceptives.

As it stands now, students cannot use the health center without the permission of their parents. But once parents agree to allow their children to visit the health center, the services they receive there, which may include birth control, remain confidential.