Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Colleagues, Introduce Legislation to Protect the Right to Contraception

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), joined by Congresswomen Kathy Manning (NC-06), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced the Right to Contraception Act. This critical legislation would codify the right for Americans to access birth control into federal law.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Endometriosis Caucus and Whip of the Democratic Women’s Caucus said: 

“Millions of people use contraception every day to protect their health, the health of others, or help with medical conditions. I’ve used contraception as a treatment for my struggle with endometriosis. We shouldn’t have to fight to keep our right to this essential healthcare. But we are living in a time where an extremist Supreme Court is hellbent on creating a country where I have fewer rights than my grandparents. Congress must act now to guarantee the rights we previously believed were protected—that includes access to contraception. I am proud to introduce the Right to Contraception Act because healthcare should be accessible to everyone—no matter your ZIP Code.” 

Congresswoman Manning said: 

“Americans’ reproductive freedom, including the longstanding right to contraception, is at risk under this extreme Supreme Court and Republican state legislatures across the country. We have already seen state governments attempt to restrict contraceptive methods and obstruct people’s private health care choices,” said Congresswoman Manning. “Contraception is key to achieving gender equality, improving health outcomes for women and their families, bolstering educational and economic opportunity for all, and ensuring people are in control of their own bodies and futures. I’m introducing the Right to Contraception Act to safeguard Americans’ right to make critical decisions about their own health and family planning, free from political interference.”

Alexis McGill Jonhson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America said: 

“Our rights and access to abortion are hanging by a thread. But they’re not just coming for abortion — they’re coming for contraceptives, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. While birth control is no substitute for abortion access, access to contraception is critical to control our own bodies, reproductive health care, and futures. Thank you to Reps. Manning, Jacobs, Williams, and Craig for introducing the Right to Contraception Act to ensure that this right is protected. This is an all hands on deck moment and we’re grateful to have leaders in Congress who are stepping up with urgency and conviction.”

Mara Gandal-Powers, Director of Birth Control Access & Senior Counsel, National Women’s Law Center said: 

“The Supreme Court’s devastating and illegitimate decision on abortion has unleashed chaos and emboldened those who want to come after our fundamental rights, including our right to birth control. At the National Women’s Law Center, we are hearing from people who are scared about losing the right to birth control.  And we’ve been tracking attempts by state legislators and some members of Congress to target birth control and restrict access to it or make it illegal. Everyone deserves the freedom to decide when or whether they want to grow a family, and we’re grateful to Representatives Manning, Jacobs, Williams, Craig, and other members of Congress for introducing the Right to Contraception Act.” 

Specifically, the Right to Contraception Act would:

• Create a statutory right for people to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception;
• Establish a corresponding right for health care providers to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception;
• Allow the Department of Justice, as well as providers and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access made unlawful under the legislation, to go to court to enforce these rights; and
• Protect a range of contraceptive methods, devices, and medications used to prevent pregnancy, including but not limited to oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, and intrauterine devices.

This bill is endorsed by the following organizations: National Women’s Law Center, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, Reproductive Health Access Project, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholics for Choice, National Organization for Women, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Women’s Health Network, Urge: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, Jewish Women International, National Council of Jewish Women. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Congresswoman Williams serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee where she is Vice Chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress. She is Freshman Class President and Co-Chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as a champion of voting rights, closing the racial wealth gap, and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of their ZIP code or bank account.

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