Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D (CA-07) today voted for H.R. 8373, the Right to Contraception Act, which would protect the right of Americans to obtain and use contraceptives.

While the right to use contraceptives remains constitutionally protected, the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson could be used to reconsider and overturn other fundamental rights, including the right to contraception. In his concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson, Justice Clarence Thomas called for the Supreme Court to reconsider its decisions protecting other fundamental rights of privacy, including the right to use contraceptives as established in Griswold v. Connecticut.

"As a doctor, I know access to contraception is critical for women's reproductive health care – it enables women to live healthier lives and enhances their economic security and well-being," said Congressman Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. "Despite contraception being constitutionally protected, the reversal of Roe v. Wade has created the possibility that Republican politicians and justices could strip away more fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to decide on when it is best to become a mother and start a family. Today, I proudly voted to protect the right to access and use birth control. Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care to lead healthy and productive lives – and that means contraception."

The Right to Contraception Act would:

• Establish a statutory right to obtain contraceptives, and for health care providers to provide contraceptives.
• Protect against any state laws that attempt to restrict access to contraceptives.
• Establish a private right of action for individuals to enforce their right to obtain contraceptives and for health providers to enforce their right to provide contraceptives.

Rep. Bera has been a long-time champion of women's rights and reproductive health care. Rep. Bera helped introduce the Affordability is Access Act to ensure that people across the country can access and afford over-the-counter birth control. Rep. Bera voted for the Women's Health Protection Act to codify the reproductive health care rights provided under Roe v. Wade. Bera received Planned Parenthood's Champions for Women's Health Award in 2015 for his leadership in advancing access to reproductive care.