Right to Contraception Act
Congress Proposes New Law to Guarantee Federal Right to Birth Control and Protect Healthcare Providers
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would create a federal law protecting the right of any person to buy and use birth control. It also protects the right of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to provide contraceptives and information about them without fear of being punished by the government.
- The law would cover all types of birth control, including pills, emergency contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization procedures. It also ensures people can get information about how to use these methods to prevent pregnancy or manage other health conditions.
- If passed, this law would override any state or local rules that try to limit access to birth control. It specifically states that it would take priority over other laws, including those based on religious objections, to ensure that personal beliefs do not stop a patient from getting medical care.
- The bill allows the U.S. Attorney General or private citizens to sue states or government officials who try to block access to contraception. This means if a state passes a law banning certain types of birth control, it could be challenged and overturned in court.
- Supporters of the bill say it is necessary because some states have already tried to restrict access to public funding for birth control or have passed laws allowing providers to refuse service based on their own personal beliefs.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
The bill explicitly overrides the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which some small business owners have invoked to avoid providing contraceptive coverage in employee health plans. Business owners with religious objections would lose that legal avenue, while others would face a clearer, more uniform legal landscape regarding contraceptive coverage obligations.
Programs
Disabilities
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesHow every senator voted on the Right to Contraception Act
The Senate voted not to advance the Right to Contraception Act, a bill that would prevent states from passing laws that limit access to hormonal birth control, IUDs, and other methods. Only two Republicans, Sens. Collins and Murkowski, voted to advance the measure.
Senate Republicans Block Bill to Protect Access to Contraception
Senate Republicans blocked the Right to Contraception Act, arguing it was unnecessary because birth control is already protected under Supreme Court precedent. Democrats used the vote to highlight reproductive rights ahead of the 2024 elections.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Right to Contraception Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(206)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.