U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) recently collaborated with U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and several other senate colleagues, along with U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), to introduce the Convenient Contraception Act, which aims to enhance access to contraceptive products including over-the-counter options. The bill's proponents seek to improve family planning and reproductive health by making contraceptives more readily available to individuals across the United States.
"Access to contraception is a fundamental right," Heinrich said in a July 21 press release from his office.
The proposed legislation aims to improve access to contraceptive products by providing individuals covered by private health insurance the choice to receive a full year's supply of contraception at the time of prescription, the release said. This change from the current standard of a three-month supply or less is expected to enhance convenience and reduce access barriers to the products.
"By removing unnecessary barriers to contraception, this legislation helps protect the freedom of women to control their bodies and make their own health care decisions," Heinrich said in the release. "I’m proud to lead this bill and will continue to stand up for the right to reproductive care."
The Convenient Contraception Act grants individuals with private health insurance the option to receive their entire prescription supply of contraceptives—up to one year—all at once and mandates that those insurance plans cover the full cost at the time of pick-up, according to the release.
"A woman’s right to make her own health care decisions is sacred to me," Fetterman said in the release. "I am proud to lead this first of its kind legislation to expand equitable access to contraceptives. 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."
Underwood also commented on the proposed legislation.
"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," she said in the release. "Contraception is essential health care, and it must remain easily available nationwide."