Bills to codify the right to contraception in Louisiana have been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Public Policy Professional Mary Patricia Wray said House Bill 395 and Senate Bill 225 seek to secure the right to birth control for Louisianans.
“Well, we’ve seen recent attacks on the ability of people to use all forms of contraception through different types of legislative efforts and court cases across the United States,” said Wray.
The Right to Contraception Act is similar to legislation pending in ten other states, including Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, which gave states the right to determine the legality of abortion, Wray said there are concerns the right to prevent a pregnancy is also in peril even though it is protected by a US Supreme Court ruling. She said because Louisiana has a very high rate of domestic abuse and other sex-related crimes that can lead to pregnancy and disease…
“It’s really just a back step to make sure that people are safe and can make important low-level really, medical decisions for themselves and protect themselves from disease or pregnancy when it’s not wanted,” said Wray.
The bills also define what methods of birth control are included.
“Emergency contraception, condoms, the pill form of contraception, patch, IUDs, vaginal rings, and other types of birth control and contraception. So, this would include everything that prevents pregnancy and prevents disease,” said
According to a recent Impact Research survey, the right to contraception is supported by eight out of ten voters in the country.
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