Velázquez Introduces a Resolution in Support of World Contraception Day

Statement

Today, on World Contraception Day, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution that expresses support for global and domestic access to contraception and encourages Congress and the Administration to study contraceptive deserts and ways federal policy can address the issue.

"Contraception isn't just a part of health care, but a means for people to have control over when they want to start a family," said Velázquez. "For so many, accessing contraception can be a near impossible task especially in communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community. I'm proud to introduce this resolution which will raise awareness about contraception and help people make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health."

Globally, 270 million people have an unmet need for family planning using modern contraception, and in the United States 19 million women of reproductive age live in an area with a lack of reasonable access in their county to a health center that offers the full range of contraceptive methods. Research has shown that some women of color experience implicit and explicit racism when interacting with the medical system, lack of quality information about effective family planning methods, and an inability to access or afford reproductive health care. Effective contraception has been shown to be an important strategy to maintaining and improving mental health and well-being. Access to contraception has also been shown to increase labor force participation and boost economic health and prosperity. In addition, studies have showed that preventing teenagers from accessing contraceptives puts teens at risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

This resolution has been co-sponsored by Reps. Yvette Clarke, Jim McGovern, Carolyn B. Maloney, Grace Meng, Jerrold Nadler, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Suzan Delbene, Suzzane Bonamici, Jan Schakowsky, Judy Chu, and Jamaal Bowman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adriano Espaillat, and Marie Newman

"Our reproductive rights, especially abortion access, are facing relentless attacks. While birth control is no substitute for abortion access, access to contraception is critical to control our own bodies, health, and futures. Everyone, no matter where they live, should be able to protect their bodily autonomy and have access to the resources to determine their futures. We are grateful for reproductive rights champions like Rep. Nydia Velázquez for introducing this resolution recognizing World Contraception Day and emphasizing the need to invest in programs that increase access to contraception, like Title X and international family planning and reproductive health programs. We thank Rep. Velázquez for her longtime commitment to protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights in the U.S. and across the globe," said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

"As anti-choice extremists across the country continue to show their cards and make clear that birth control access is on the line, protecting this fundamental freedom is as essential as ever. Each of us must have the freedom to make our own decisions about our lives, bodies, and futures, and contraception is a key way to ensure that is a reality. We're grateful to Rep. Velázquez for her leadership and for sponsoring this resolution on World Contraception Day during this pivotal moment for reproductive freedom," said NARAL Pro-Choice America President Mini Timmaraju.

This resolution is also endorsed by the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Power to Decide, National Council of Jewish Women, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the National Women's Law Center.

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