House Passes Right to Contraception Bill, Critical Step in Protecting Essential Right

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would protect the right to birth control across the country.

The Right to Contraception Act, introduced by Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), and Angie Craig (MN-02), creates a legal right to obtain and use all U.S Food and Drug Administration-approved forms of contraception including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and emergency contraceptives, among others. The bill also establishes a right for health care providers to provide contraception and medical information about contraception.

This vote is part of a broader effort underway in the House to protect our civil rights and liberties, including voting to protect marriage equality earlier this week and last week’s votes on the Women’s Health Protection Act and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization elevates the potential for other rights to be stripped away by the Supreme Court in the future. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“For more than 50 years, the constitutional right to contraception has been protected by the Supreme Court’s decision in Griswold v. Connecticut. Yet, it’s not lost on us that the courts are now hostile to rights that were firmly established — rights that Americans have lived with for years. That means that lawmakers must act to preserve rights fundamental to protecting our bodily autonomy and ability to determine our own futures. Planned Parenthood applauds the House for taking the necessary first steps to enshrine our right to contraception in addition to the critical actions they’ve taken to protect abortion access.” 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.