Statement of Administration Policy: S. 4381 - Right to Contraception Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(Senate)
(Sen. Markey, D-MA, and 49 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of S. 4381, the Right to Contraception Act, which would protect the fundamental right to access contraception and help ensure that women can make decisions about their health, lives, and families. The Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to defending reproductive freedom and strengthening access to affordable, high-quality contraception and family planning services.

Contraception is an essential part of reproductive health care that has become more important than ever following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the ensuing crisis for women's health. Dangerous and extreme abortion bans are putting women's health and lives at risk and disrupting access to critical health care services, including contraception, as health care providers are forced to close in states across the country. Contraception is also under attack. Officials in some states have made clear they want to ban or restrict birth control in addition to abortion, and Republicans in Congress have attacked contraception access nationwide by proposing to defund the Title X Family Planning Program. Attacks on contraception are an affront to women's dignity and their ability to make their own decisions about their lives.

Women must have the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions, including the right to decide if and when to start or grow their family. Now is the time to safeguard the right to contraception once and for all.

The Administration looks forward to working with Congress as S. 4381 proceeds through the legislative process in order to protect and expand access to contraception, as well as to protect other rights and liberties.