Senate to Consider Right to Contraception Act in June, Says Majority Leader Schumer

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Wednesday that the Senate will review a bill next month aimed at safeguarding access to contraception, amidst growing focus on reproductive rights in the lead-up to November's election.

Protecting Women's Reproductive Freedoms

Schumer emphasized the importance of contraception in protecting women's reproductive freedoms, stating, "Now more than ever, contraception is a critical piece of protecting women's reproductive freedoms." He further pledged that "Senate Democrats are committed to restoring women's freedoms and will fight to protect access to contraception."

The Right to Contraception Act

The New York Democrat disclosed that the chamber would consider the Right to Contraception Act in June. This legislation, introduced by Democratic Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, aims to enshrine the right to contraception in federal law.

Pushing Republicans on Reproductive Rights

Democrats have sought to press Republicans on issues concerning IVF, contraception, and abortion, recognizing their significance as key motivators for voters during midterm elections. In a similar vein, the House passed the contraception bill in 2022 shortly after the Supreme Court curtailed the constitutional right to abortion, sparking apprehensions about potential restrictions on birth control. Notably, a small faction of Republicans aligned with the then-Democratic majority to propel the legislation to approval. However, it encountered resistance in the Senate.

Impact of the Legislation

Despite the current stronger Democratic majority in the upper chamber, the bill is anticipated to face challenges in garnering adequate support. Nevertheless, the planned vote is poised to compel Republicans to take a stance on the issue in the run-up to the election.

Former President's Standpoint

This development follows a recent statement by former President Donald Trump, who initially indicated contemplation of backing restrictions on contraception in an interview with CBS News Pittsburgh, only to swiftly retract the comments. Subsequently, he clarified in a social media post that he has never advocated for limiting contraceptives and never intends to do so.