WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A birth control bill is grabbing attention on Capitol Hill.
Senators are taking action on the legislation, which is meant to protect women’s access to contraceptives.
A giant inflatable IUD stands in front of Union Station in Washington, D.C.
A visual representation of birth control just blocks away from the Capitol, where lawmakers are debating the ‘Right to Contraception Act’.
“What this legislation would do is in the name, it would codify every American’s right to access birth control,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
Democrats say that federal protection is critical because birth control access is under attack.
“The freedom to decide if, when, and how someone becomes a parent should belong to Americans, not Republicans,” said Duckworth.
Senator Tammy Duckworth accuses Republicans of trying to roll back reproductive healthcare across the country but Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas.) calls the bill absurd.
“And it’s a waste of time,” Cornyn said.
He argues birth control access is not in jeopardy from Republicans, or anyone else.
“Contraception is available in every state in America and there’s no legitimate effort to change that,” he said.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) disagrees pointing to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn abortion rights.
“For those who are saying, oh, this is a non-issue go back and read the Dobbs decision read the invitation that was made by the court to go after contraception,” said Kaine.
Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) claims the bill is all for political show.
“These votes have nothing to do with legislating and everything to do with boosting democrats’ electoral chances,” said Thune.
Democrats are also pushing a separate bill to ensure access to invitro fertilization. They’re hoping to bring that up for a vote in the coming weeks.
