Right to Contraception Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. SCHUMER. So, Mr. President, tomorrow, the Senate will take action. Tomorrow, the Senate will defend the freedom of choice with a vote on the Right to Contraception Act, led by Senators Markey and Hirono.
Federal protections for contraceptives are a critical piece of protecting women's reproductive freedoms, and this legislation would codify the right to contraception into Federal law. As MAGA Republicans continue to block protections for access to contraception on the State level--in States like Virginia, Nevada, and Arizona--it is all the more reason to move to protect contraception at the Federal level.
To those who think that Federal action in protecting access to birth control is unnecessary, just look at what is happening in States like Virginia and Nevada and Arizona, where Republicans are openly blocking these very protections.
I would hope that protecting access to birth control would be the definition of an easy, uncontroversial decision here in the Senate, but the vote will tell all when we gavel in tomorrow. And there will be more action to come.
Last night, I began the rule XIV process for the Right to IVF Act, led by Senators Duckworth and Murray and Booker, to place it on the legislative calendar and make it available for consideration on the floor. I intend to bring this legislation protecting access to IVF up for a vote very soon.
Millions of Americans have relied on IVF to have children, but after a stunningly radical decision by the Alabama Supreme Court jeopardized access to IVF, families are rightfully worried that this option could be stripped away. So Senate Democrats will act to safeguard and strengthen IVF access for all Americans so that everyone has a chance to start a family.
In the coming weeks, Senate Democrats will put reproductive freedoms front and center before this Chamber so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source