- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
Today I take pen in hand to right and urge you to re-introduce and/or co-sponsor The Right to Contraception Act. Last introduced in the 11th Congress, this is critical legislation that would enshrine the right to access and use birth control at the federal level.
This act establishes statutory protections for individuals to obtain contraceptives free from coercion, and for healthcare providers to provide contraceptive services and information. Just some of its protections:
• Establishes a statutory right for people to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, free from coercion;
• Gives health care providers a statutory right to provide contraceptives and information, referrals, and services related to contraception;
• Makes clear that these rights cannot be infringed upon or limited by laws that single out or impede access to contraception, contraception providers or facilities, or contraception-related information;
• Prohibits the federal government or states from prohibiting or restricting the sale, provision, or use of contraception or preventing an individual from helping someone obtain or use contraception;
• Allows individuals, providers, and the U.S. Attorney General to sue states or government officials that unlawfully restrict the right to birth control.
With the constitutional right to birth control under threat, this law would safeguard access to this essential healthcare even if the Supreme Court undermines or overturns existing precedent.
Beyond that, the act prohibits the government from restricting the sale, provision, or use of contraception, allowing legal recourse against any such unlawful limitations.
Given the widespread popular support (80%) for contraceptive access and the longstanding benefits of reproductive autonomy, the Right to Contraception Act deserves robust backing again to ensure this fundamental right remains protected nationwide. Thank you for your service.