U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson announced the introduction of a bill Thursday that would codify the right to access contraception as recognized by the 1965 U.S. Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut.
The Protecting Access to Contraception Act would prevent state and local governments from restricting the possession, sale, purchase or use of any contraceptive, including birth control medication, IUDs, condoms and emergency contraception like Plan B.
The bill would also authorize private citizens and the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against parties that violate the bill’s right to contraception.
“I believe that everyone, regardless of the state in which they live, should have access to safe, effective, affordable and accessible methods of family planning and contraception,” Thompson said in a statement.
Thompson and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, said they co-introduced the bill in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned the right to abortion as outlined in 1973’s Roe v. Wade and 1992’s Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Thompson and Jayapal noted that Justice Clarence Thomas suggested in his concurring opinion on the Dobbs ruling that the high court should reconsider past rulings that recognized the rights to contraception access, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.
“Access to contraception is crucial to limiting unintended pregnancies,” Jayapal said. “We are already seeing efforts by state and local governments to take away access to contraception methods. With this bill, we will guarantee that anyone who wants access to contraceptive care can be able to get it without state or local officials weighing in on their bodies and their reproductive choices.”
20 comments
Um, OK. I wasn’t aware of any attempts to restrict access to contraceptives by birthing persons of any gender, but I suppose it could be happening. I can’t imagine too many people having a problem with such a law, as long as it doesn’t say they have a right to get it for free.
Perhaps with Mark Desaulnier help, they can codify with a fish
Somehow, I think lack of access to contraceptives is not the problem.
What’s happening is the Democrat party- which is in trouble- has been trying to whip up fear that many laws might be reversed now that the supreme Court struck down roe v Wade. All the other laws and rights and privileges are safe. But the party’s using this as a wedge and also an election tool to scare people that they’re going to lose other rights.
You might want to Google the “Griswold v. Connecticut” case. Up until this 1965 Supreme Court ruling, married couples in that state were subject to arrest and fines for using contraception. Justice Clarence Thomas says that ruling should be overturned, and a number of red state legislators have proposed bans on contraceptives in their states.
NO.
Completely unnecessary. Why not work on things that are already impacting us? Like high gas prices, inflation, formula shortages etc. Leave it to the dems to use nothing burgers to try to deflect from real issues.
You must be a man. Reproductive health care affects women dramatically every day
But there are no current restrictions on contraceptives, which this bill addresses. Thus, totally unnecessary and an utter waste of time and effort.
@Deb Shay
Correct!
DEMs can’t run on the economy or higher prices biden all by himself has caused. Bill is about FREE face time on TV.
‘Bout only thing DEMs have to run on, is dead kids.
Dead tender age school children because of metal signs guaranteeing they’ll be undefended (gun control) and for most part KILLING of babies because responsible sex is inconvenient.
If he thinks for a minute the country will have to go back to the rhythm method he is brain dead. If you don’t know what the rhythm method is look it up. More scaring the looney left.
Correct!
People are restricted and banned from using contraceptives? Where and when is this happening?? That is the real story!!!
In reality, it is just another superficial show by feckless and inept democrat politicians who have no clue whatsoever as to how to handle the REAL problems that are facing struggling middle class citizens.
Follow this motto if you are a woman who does not wish to get pregnant:
“STOP THE SPREAD!”
AD
Contraceptives are essential – and I assume everyone here realizes that they are essential to married as well as unmarried people.
As to the people saying they can’t imagine anyone trying to ban contraceptives… really? It’s very possible and well worth protecting.
Is it just me or does anyone else think that politicians should be focusing on more pressing matters? The economy for instance.
What the hell is happening in our country?The current administration is destroying us.They have proven they can keep us locked down with Covid.They can control how much water we can have.They can financially ruin the working person all of this with politicians.What are we going to do?
Protecting access to contraception is “destroying the country?” What? How?
The Demos are ignorant and stupid! They fear the loss of numbers come November and they are out to do their cockamemie best to scare people! Women should know better than to follow this mantra and not listen to Biden/Harris.
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