0
Right to Contraception Act
3/6/2024, 4:36 PM
Summary of Bill S 1999
If passed, the Right to Contraception Act would prohibit any entity, including employers, health care providers, and insurance companies, from denying individuals access to contraception based on their personal beliefs or religious affiliations. This means that employers would not be able to refuse to provide insurance coverage for contraception, and health care providers would not be able to deny individuals access to contraception services.
Additionally, the bill would require all health insurance plans to cover contraception without any out-of-pocket costs for the individual. This would make contraception more affordable and accessible to a wider range of individuals, regardless of their income level. Overall, the Right to Contraception Act aims to protect and expand individuals' access to contraception, ensuring that they have the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is a necessary step towards ensuring reproductive rights for all individuals.
Congressional Summary of S 1999
Right to Contraception Act
This bill sets out statutory protections for an individual's right to access and a health care provider's right to provide contraception and related information. Contraception refers to an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives (i.e., a device or medication used to prevent pregnancy), fertility-awareness based methods, and sterilization procedures.
Generally, the bill prohibits measures that single out and impede access to contraception and related information. However, a party may defend against a claim that a measure violates the bill's prohibitions by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that the measure significantly advances the safety of contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The bill also specifies that the prohibition preempts inconsistent state and local laws and applies in spite of other federal laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.
The Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.
