The Right to Contraception Act (S.1999 / H.R.4121) will enshrine a federal right for all Americans to obtain and use the contraceptives that best meet their needs. The bill prohibits any requirement that impedes the provision of contraceptives or contraception-related information, as well as health care providers or facilities that administer contraception and related information. It further bars any limitation that hinders access to contraceptives or contraception-related information. If enacted, this bill will apply to both the federal and state governments. Neither the federal government nor any state government would be able to enforce any law that conflicts with this act after the date of its enactment.
The right of individuals to freely determine whether, when, and with whom to have children is fundamental. It is essential to an individual’s privacy, health, wellbeing, liberty, and equality.
Since first being made available in 1960, modern contraception has opened the door to expanded education and economic opportunities for women. Access to birth control is essential to a woman’s health, autonomy, and economic security. That’s why 99 percent of sexually active women use contraception at some point in their lives.
Contraception not only prevents unintended pregnancies, but also provides health benefits for individuals managing endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormone imbalances, acne, migraines, and heavy bleeding and cramps associated with menstruation. Additional health outcomes of contraception access include reductions in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity: women’s ability to use modern contraception methods to control the timing of their births can reduce the likelihood of infant and maternal mortality.
Despite the enormous benefits that access to contraceptives has brought to people, especially women and girls, across the United States and around the world, extremist politicians and activist organizations are prepping an assault on access. On May 21, 2024, the Republican candidate for President said that he “will take a look at” restricting access to birth control. The radical Project 2025 — a right wing wish list for a Republican president — has contraceptive access in its crosshairs. Congress needs to act now to protect this fundamental right.
