Velázquez Leads Resolution to Recognize World Contraception Day

WASHINGTON - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced a House resolution to recognize September 26, 2025, as World Contraception Day.

"World Contraception Day is an effort to recommit building a future where every person has access to the resources, education, and healthcare they need to make informed choices," said Velázquez. "Ensuring reproductive freedom is about equality, dignity, and opportunity. That is the vision I will continue to fight for, both at home and abroad."

Globally, more than 270 million people lack access to modern family planning methods. Research shows that communities of color often face barriers to receiving accurate, high-quality information about effective contraception. Access to reliable contraceptive care is to safeguard physical and reproductive health. It is also linked to improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.

The Trump administration has consistently prioritized rolling back access to contraception and reproductive health services, both at home and abroad. Through regulatory changes, funding cuts, and even the destruction of $10 million dollars' worth of U.S.-funded contraceptives, these efforts have made it harder for individuals to obtain the resources they need for family planning and reproductive freedom.

Expanding access to contraception has proven benefits beyond health outcomes. It strengthens economic stability by increasing workforce participation and supporting long-term prosperity. At the same time, denying young people access contraceptives increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and exposes teens to preventable sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

"Too many people - especially people of color, those in rural areas, and those with lower incomes - still face barriers to getting the birth control they need," said by Rachel Fey, Vice President, Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Power to Decide. "Some of the same policymakers working to ban abortion are also working to limit access to birth control. We know that birth control is basic health care, and it should be accessible, affordable, and available to anyone who wants it, without shame or stigma. We thank Representative Velázquez and congressional champions for this resolution amplifying World Contraception Day and affirming the need for true access to contraception for all. Access to contraception changes lives, and everyone deserves the power to decide their own future."

"Access to contraception is fundamental to reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and gender equity," said by Darcy Hirsh, Senior Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women's. "At National Council of Jewish Women, we are guided by the value of kavod ha'briyot - respect for individual dignity - which includes the right to choose if, when, and how to start or grow a family. We commend Congresswoman Velázquez for introducing this resolution affirming the essential role of contraception for public health and human rights, and we urge Congress to continue protecting and expanding access to this vital care."

"At Upstream, we believe that contraceptive care is basic healthcare," said Jessica Foster, President and Chief Operating Officer, Upstream USA. "On World Contraception Day and every day, we stand tall in our belief that everyone deserves patient-centered contraceptive care that is easy to access when and where it is convenient for them. We are grateful to Rep. Velázquez for her work to introduce the World Contraception Day Resolution."

"At a time when attacks on contraceptive access in the United States continue to escalate, policies that advance affordable, equitable access to contraceptive care are more important than ever," said Kelly Blanchard, President, Ibis Reproductive Health. "Everyone should be able to access the contraceptive method they want free from barriers or stigma, no matter who they are or where they live. This World Contraception Day, Ibis is glad to endorse this resolution and highlight the urgent need to break down barriers to contraceptive access across the country."

This resolution is also co-sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

###