Family planning, including contraceptive birth control, enables women to have the number of children they wish at the time they wish to have them. This ability gives women control over their reproductive lives, protects their health, allows them to plan their future and invest in their careers. Obamacare gave nearly 63 million women coverage of the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods, saving them $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone. Research shows women who do not use contraception, or who have gaps in contraception, or who use contraception inconsistently or incorrectly account for 95% of all unintended pregnancies. In 2024, the U.S. had an estimated 3.6 million births and around 1.14 million abortions. The number of births was slightly higher than in 2023, while the number of abortions saw a small increase, driven by factors like medication abortions via telehealth and travel across state lines for care. Emergency contraception, sometimes referred to as Plan B or the morning-after pill, works like other hormonal birth control and does not harm or terminate an already-established pregnancy. This contraceptive is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Nearly 66% of women of reproductive age are currently using a contraceptive method.

Contraception opponents claim contraception separates sex from reproduction and leads to promiscuity and disease. Supporters say studies have shown these concerns to be unfounded, and claim access to contraception is a protected fundamental right which should not be impeded by another's personal beliefs. Recently, while discussing the Dobbs decision, Justice Clarence Thomas urged the Supreme Court to reconsider past rulings protecting the right to contraception, leading observers to believe if this will be next on the chopping block.

Pending Legislation: S. 422 - Right to Contraception Act
Sponsor: Sen. Edward Markey (MA)
Status: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Chair: Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA)