Velázquez, Grijalva Lead Resolution Recognizing World Contraception Day

WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced a House resolution recognizing World Contraception Day and calling for expanded access to contraception and reproductive health care in the United States and around the world.

"Access to contraception is fundamental to giving people the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies, families, and futures," said Rep. Velázquez. "Yet millions of people still face barriers to getting the care and information they need. On World Contraception Day, we are reaffirming that contraception is essential health care and that everyone deserves affordable, reliable access to it. I am proud to join Congresswoman Grijalva in continuing this fight for reproductive freedom at home and around the world."

"Everyone deserves access to contraception and the freedom to make decisions about their own health and future," said Rep. Grijalva. "Too many people still face barriers to the care they need, especially in communities that have been underserved for far too long. On World Contraception Day, we're standing up for affordable, accessible reproductive health care for everyone."

The resolution highlights persistent barriers to contraceptive access in the United States and globally. An estimated 218 million women in economically developing countries have an unmet need for modern contraception. In the United States, one-third of adult women who have attempted to obtain prescription contraception have reported barriers to access, while more than 19 million women of reproductive age who need publicly funded contraception live in areas without reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of contraceptive methods.

The resolution also recognizes longstanding racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in reproductive health care and the barriers faced by communities of color, Native people, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living in areas with limited access to reproductive health providers.

Among other provisions, the resolution calls on Congress and the administration to expand access to free or affordable contraception, ensure access to medically accurate information and comprehensive insurance coverage, address contraceptive deserts and reproductive health disparities, and expand access and coverage for over-the-counter birth control and other forms of contraception.

The resolution further recognizes the broader benefits of contraceptive access, including allowing people to plan and space pregnancies and pursue their educational, career, and life goals.

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