On June 5, 2024, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led eleven colleagues in addressing the Senate floor to support the Right to Contraception Act. This legislation, co-led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), aims to ensure individuals can obtain and use contraceptives without government interference. The bill also seeks to protect health providers' rights to prescribe contraceptives and provide related information.
The bill failed to advance on the Senate floor, with only two Republicans voting in favor. "As Republican states across the country roll back fundamental reproductive rights, including the right to contraception, it is critical we protect access to contraceptives at the federal level," stated Senator Hirono. She emphasized that the Right to Contraception Act is designed to safeguard patients' access to contraception and criticized Republicans for blocking the bill.
The vote occurred amid ongoing efforts by right-wing judges, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and Republican-led state governments to restrict contraception access nationwide. Some states have attempted comprehensive bans on contraceptives or have broadly defined abortion laws that include contraceptive methods.
Despite widespread public support for legal birth control—nine out of ten voters believe it should be legal—Senate Republicans have twice blocked this legislation from passing, first in 2022 and again in 2023. The Right to Contraception Act aims not only to codify this right but also ensure transparency regarding lawmakers' positions on reproductive rights.
The act would address various health needs beyond sexual and reproductive health by treating multiple medical conditions and reducing certain cancer risks. It also seeks to guarantee care for historically marginalized groups.
In addition to Senators Hirono, Markey, and Duckworth, the bill has garnered support from a wide array of Democratic senators and independents who caucus with Democrats.
Link to download video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech is available here.
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