Power to Decide Applauds Re-Introduction of ‘Right to Contraception Act’

WASHINGTON — Today, Sens. Edward Markey, Mazie Hirono, Tammy Duckworth and Patty Murray and Reps. Kathy Manning, Nikema Williams, Sara Jacobs and Angie Craig re-introduced the “Right to Contraception Act,” a bill that would affirm the right to use birth control (that was first recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court more than half a century ago but which faces growing threats) and the right for health care workers to provide it. Power to Decide CEO Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, issued the following statement in support:

“As we near the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we are reminded of Justice Thomas’ concurring opinion that the high court’s privacy rulings be revisited, which would include reassessing the right to contraception. We must take proactive steps to protect the reproductive rights we have. The ‘Right to Contraception Act’ would do just that. 

“As a practicing OBGYN, I see firsthand that the right to birth control is essential for the well-being of my patients, their families and their communities. Roughly 19 million women in need of publicly funded family planning currently live in contraceptive deserts — counties where they lack reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of contraceptive methods.

“That’s why Power to Decide works tirelessly to ensure that people have access to accurate information through Bedsider.org, an evidence-based digital platform that offers medically-accurate, relevant and resonant information on all aspects of reproductive well-being, including sex and relationships, sexual health and birth control. Bedsider also offers an easy, visual way for people to explore and compare all of their birth control options so they can find a method that fits their needs and their life. And for those who need help finding a health care provider, Bedsider’s health center search tool is built on a nationwide database of 13,000 in-person and telehealth sexual and reproductive health care providers who can prescribe birth control and offer a variety of other services.  

“Everyone — no matter who they are or where they live — should have the resources and right to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. We urge Congress to pass the ‘Right to Contraception Act’ so that every person has the power to decide their reproductive futures.”

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Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live, or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant or have a child.