House approves proposal to legalize access to birth control nationwide

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress are taking steps to guarantee access to birth control at the federal level.

This comes as some Democrats say conservative-led states are threatening to restrict contraception following the end of Roe v. Wade.

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The House passed the Right to Contraception Act that would guarantee access to birth control and for providers to prescribe it. This includes the pill, IUDs and Plan B.

It would also allow the Department of Justice to step in if access is restricted and go to court to enforce these rights.

“It’s unbelievable that in 2022 we should have to explain that access to birth control is about equality,” said Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C.

Some Democrats say this effort is also in response to Justice Clarence Thomas signaling that the precedent guaranteeing access to birth control should be revisited.

“This extremism is about one thing: control of women. We will not let this happen; we will not play defense anymore. This time we are playing offense,” said Manning.

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Some Republicans say they support access to birth control but they believe this bill was rushed and goes too far.

“This bill endangers the health and safety of women. It allows Planned Parenthood and abortion providers to prescribe on-and off-label drugs to be used for abortions without any restrictions,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.

Some GOP leaders say this bill would also step on religious freedoms.

“Jeopardizes constitutional rights of individuals and organizations across this great land, forcing providers to prescribe various forms of contraception that violates their religious rights,” said Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla.

The bill now moves on to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle.

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