Heinrich Cosponsors Bicameral Legislation to Expand Access to Contraception

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and over a dozen of his Senate colleagues, along with U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), to introduce the Convenient Contraception Act, legislation that would improve access to contraceptive products, including over-the-counter contraceptives. 

 

The bill provides individuals covered by private health insurance with the option to receive up to a full year of contraception at the time their prescription is issued instead of the current three-month supply or less that is standard in many states.  

 

“Access to contraception is a fundamental right,” said Heinrich. “By removing unnecessary barriers to contraception, this legislation helps protect the freedom of women to control their bodies and make their own health care decisions. I’m proud to lead this bill and will continue to stand up for the right to reproductive care.” 

 

“A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred to me. I am proud to lead this first of its kind legislation to expand equitable access to contraceptives,” said Fetterman. “Convenient and reliable access to contraceptives reduces unintended pregnancies, improves maternal health outcomes, and promotes equity. I will continue fighting to expand contraceptive access and protect reproductive freedom.” 

 

“Expanding access to contraception is a critical part of protecting the health and lives of millions of women, who have seen their access to care jeopardized by extreme Republicans’ attacks on reproductive freedom,” said Underwood. “Contraception is essential health care, and it must remain easily available nationwide.” 

 

Currently, many private health insurance plans require a patient to pick up their contraception prescription multiple times over the duration of a prescription, creating an unnecessary burden and increasing the likelihood of gaps in protection. The Convenient Contraception Act permits individuals covered by private health insurance plans to pick up their full prescription supply, up to one year, at one time and requires these plans to cover the full cost at the time of pick-up. Removing barriers to contraception can help reduce racial and ethnic disparities and decrease the likelihood of unintended pregnancies, which have been linked to adverse health effects, including maternal depression, intimate partner violence, low birth weight, and preterm birth. 

 

In addition to Heinrich and Fetterman, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 

 

The Convenient Contraception Act is endorsed by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; Catholics for Choice; Center for American Progress; Contraceptive Access Initiative; Every Mother Counts; In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda; MomsRising; NARAL Pro-Choice America; National Council of Jewish Women; National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association; National Partnership for Women & Families; National Women’s Law Center; Physicians for Reproductive Health; Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Power to Decide; The Collaborative; and What to Expect Project.