Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s (NC-06) bill, the Right to Contraception Act, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 228-195. This critical legislation would enshrine the right to birth control into federal statutory law to protect against restrictions on Americans’ reproductive freedom.
Congresswoman Manning’s bill passage follows the recent Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which upended reproductive and substantive due process rights, and Justice Thomas’ concurrence explicitly calling for the reconsideration of the constitutional right to contraception.
“Birth control is key to ensuring that women are in control of their own health, bodies, and futures. The Right to Contraception Act safeguards Americans’ ability to obtain this essential reproductive health care, without political interference,” said Congresswoman Kathy Manning. “I’m thrilled that this critically important and urgent legislation to ensure access to contraception passed the House. I urge the Senate to move swiftly to pass the companion bill.”
“There is no question that contraception has been critical for women’s ability to participate fully in the economic and social life of this country. Much of the progress women have made towards gender equality was possible because of contraception. This bill reaffirms the fundamental right to contraception and is essential,” said Katherine Gillespie, Acting Director, Federal Policy and Advocacy, Center for Reproductive Rights.
Specifically, H.R. 8373: - Establishes a statutory right for individuals to obtain contraceptives and a corresponding right for health care providers to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception;
- Protects against any state laws that attempt to restrict access to contraceptives;
- Allows the Department of Justice, as well as providers and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access to bring a civil action against any state or government official violating their rights to contraception; and
- Protects 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, introduced by Congresswoman Manning on July 14, 2022, gained 150 cosponsors in the House. The bill is co-led by Reps. Nikema Williams, Sara Jacobs, and Angie Craig.
On July 19, 2022, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
This bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Women’s Law Center, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, Reproductive Health Access Project, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholics for Choice, National Organization for Women, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Women’s Health Network, URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, Jewish Women International, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Center for American Progress, PAI, and Positive Women’s Network-USA.
Congresswoman Manning is a member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus and the Black Women’s Maternal Health Caucus. In Congress, she has worked to preserve, protect, and advance policies to improve and ensure reproductive freedoms and improve maternal health. Congresswoman Manning introduced the Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act, a bill to expand access to vital health services during and after pregnancy for people with Medicaid coverage, advance reproductive and maternal health justice, and save lives. Additionally, Congresswoman Manning recently introduced a resolution reaffirming the right to access contraceptives on the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case, Griswold vs. Connecticut. Congresswoman Manning also introduced the Capping Prescription Costs Act to limit cost-sharing under marketplace health plans and group health plans by placing a cap on the cost of prescription drugs for individuals and families. Watch Congresswoman Manning's remarks here. Click here for final bill text.
### |