Rep. Susie Lee Votes to Protect Access to Contraception

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Susie Lee (NV-03) voted to pass H.R. 8373, The Right to Contraception Act. This vote follows the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and Justice Thomas' concurring opinion in this case, which explicitly called for the reconsideration of the constitutional right to contraception. This legislation ensures that neither states nor a Republican administration can limit people's access to contraceptives or the ability of health care providers to provide contraceptives and information related to them.

"It's unbelievable – and infuriating – that in 2022, we have to vote to ensure that women have access to contraception," said Rep. Lee. "But the sad reality is the Supreme Court's decision to strip away the constitutional right to an abortion has put this right in danger as well. Family planning is an essential public health tool that contributes to improved health for infants, children, women, and families and gives women economic security and independence. So, while I'm outraged that threats to our fundamental rights forced this vote today, I will never back down from the fight to protect our fundamental freedoms to make personal decisions about our bodies, lives, and futures."

Specifically, the Right to Contraception Act would:

• H.R. 8373 establishes a statutory right to obtain contraceptives and to engage in contraception, and for health care providers to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information related to contraception.
• The bill protects against any state laws that attempt to restrict access to contraceptives and affirms the Attorney General's enforcement authority to bring civil actions against any state that attempts to do so.
• The bill also establishes a private right of action for individuals to enforce their right to obtain contraceptives and for health care providers to enforce their right to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception.

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