North Palm Beach Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TOn July 20, 2023, Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced 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 coverage with the option to receive a full year of contraception at the time their prescription is issued, an evidence-based policy that improves health outcomes, instead of the current three-month supply that is standard in many states.

“Purchasing contraception should be painless and effortless, but that has been far from the case for many low-income women and women of color,” said Cherfilus-McCormick. “The Convenient Contraception Act would address many of the financial and logistical hurdles that stand in the way of comprehensive reproductive health care, allowing women nationwide to access the prescriptions they need.”  

“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.” 

“A woman’s right to make their 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.”

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access and lower the cost of healthcare. With this bill, we are addressing an unnecessary hurdle women face across the country, including in New Jersey, in accessing contraception medication. At a time when women’s healthcare is under attack by extreme politicians in Congress and across the country, Reps. Underwood, Titus, Cherfilus-McCormick, and I are fighting back with commonsense, effective policies that empower women to make their own healthcare decisions,” said Sherrill.

“I’m proud to join Sen. Fetterman and Rep. Underwood in the effort to make contraception more accessible, especially as the GOP continues to attack women’s freedoms from every angle. Southern Nevadans have made clear for decades that reproductive rights are a top priority, and this commonsense legislation would make a simple but critical fix to expand access and reduce racial disparities in care,” said Titus.

Currently, many health coverage 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 coverage plans to pick up a full-year prescription supply at once and prohibits coverage plans from charging additional costs for a one-year supply.

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.

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.

Original source can be found here.