U.S. House Passes Spanberger-Backed Bill to Protect the Right to Contraception

Jul 21, 2022
Healthcare
Press
Womens' Issues

Following the Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade, the Legislation Would Protect the Right for Americans to Access Birth Control

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A majority of the U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass Spanberger-cosponsored legislation to codify into federal law the right for Americans to access contraception.

Spanberger cosponsored the Right to Contraception Act following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which upended reproductive rights. In his concurrence, Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly called for the reconsideration of cases that have established Americans’ right to privacy — including the constitutional right to contraception.

“All Americans deserve the freedom to make their own private healthcare decisions without the government breathing down their necks,” said Spanberger. “In his concurrence in the Dobbs case, Justice Clarence Thomas called into question multiple rights based on our foundational right to privacy — including the right to decide if and when you can use contraception. Allowing our government to meddle in the reproductive healthcare decisions of the people it serves is an affront to the personal freedom granted to us as Americans. Today, I’m glad to see my colleagues in the House recognize the need to codify the right to access contraception, and I will continue to protect the privacy and due process rights of every American.”

Specifically, if signed into law, the Right to Contraception Act would:

  • Create a statutory right for people to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception;
  • Establish a corresponding right for healthcare providers to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception;
  • Allow the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as providers and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access made unlawful under the legislation, to go to court to enforce these rights; and
  • Protect a range of contraceptive methods, devices, and medications used to prevent pregnancy, including but not limited to oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, and intrauterine devices.

The Right to Contraception Act is led in the U.S. House by U.S. Representatives Kathy Manning (D-NC-06), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), and Angie Craig (D-MN-02).

###

Recent Posts


Nov 27, 2024
Local Issues

Spanberger Statement Ahead of Thanksgiving Day

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement ahead of Thanksgiving Day. “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to give thanks for the many things we hold dear — like our families, our communities, and our freedoms. “I’m thankful for those who make our celebrations […]



Nov 25, 2024
Womens' Issues

Spanberger Backs Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Protect Victims & Criminalize Publication of Revenge Porn

The “TAKE IT DOWN Act” Would Criminalize the Publication of & Threat to Publish Non-Consensual Intimate Images, Including Computer-Generated Images WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger backed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect victims of non-consensual intimate image abuse — also known as revenge pornography. In 2021, Spanberger voted to pass legislation — which President Biden […]



Nov 21, 2024
Healthcare

Spanberger, Smith, Kaine, Cotton Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Address Drug Shortages

According to the FDA, More Than 275 Drugs Are Currently in Shortage The “End Drug Shortages Act” is Supported by Inova Health System, UVA Health, & VCU Health System WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) […]