Bill Overview
Title: Right to Contraception Act
Description: This bill sets out statutory protections for an individual's right to access and a health care provider's right to provide contraception and related information. Contraception refers to an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives (i.e., a device or medication used to prevent pregnancy), fertility-awareness based methods, and sterilization procedures. Generally, the bill prohibits measures that single out and impede access to contraception and related information. However, a party may defend against a claim that a measure violates the bill's prohibitions by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that the measure significantly advances access to contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.
Sponsors: Rep. Manning, Kathy E. [D-NC-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals accessing or providing contraception
Estimated Size: 85000000
- The bill ensures statutory protection for accessing contraception, impacting everyone capable of bearing children or involved in reproductive health.
- Global statistics show a very high number of women of reproductive age (15-49) could be directly impacted.
- Almost universally, individuals involved in reproductive health choices could be impacted, regardless of gender identity.
- Contraception is used not only for pregnancy prevention but also for addressing other health issues like menstrual regulation.
- The intent of the bill includes protecting healthcare providers, impacting those in the healthcare industry who provide contraceptive services.
Reasoning
- The policy will likely have varying levels of impact across different segments of the population, from individuals who have consistent access to contraceptive care to those who face significant barriers.
- There is a large population of reproductive-age women and a significant healthcare provider network in the US who have some level of interaction with contraceptive services, so the policy's potential touchpoints are widespread.
- Given budget constraints, the policy's financial impact on the healthcare system might be moderate in initial years but could grow over a decade as more people benefit from improved access.
- Diverse perspectives on contraception access will lead to different subjective wellbeing impacts, depending on personal beliefs, health needs, and socioeconomic status.
Simulated Interviews
teacher (California)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a huge relief. It ensures I will continue having access to affordable contraception, which is essential for my health and plans for the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
nurse (Texas)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act reassures me as it not only protects my access to contraception but also ensures that I can provide accurate information to patients without fear of legal repercussions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
pharmacist (New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm in favor of this policy. It will help remove barriers that some patients face when accessing contraceptive medications, leading to better overall health outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
college student (Illinois)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy directly benefits me by securing my access to the contraception I need for my health. It's a step forward in inclusive healthcare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
software engineer (Oregon)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting my partner's autonomy in health decisions is important to me. This policy ensures that her rights to make informed choices about her body are protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired (Florida)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- During my reproductive years, access to contraception was crucial for my career and education. Knowing that future generations will have assured access makes me happy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
medical resident (Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation is essential in protecting both my patients' rights to contraceptive services and my ability to provide them without hindrance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
stay-at-home parent (Georgia)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't use contraception regularly, having this option secure when needed is reassuring, especially for health-related purposes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
legislative aide (Colorado)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring access to contraception aligns with the broader goal of supporting comprehensive health care and reproductive rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
high school student (Mississippi)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to contraception is often stigmatized in my area, so this act gives me confidence to manage my health without fear of judgement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 3: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 5: $24000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $29000000)
Year 10: $28000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $35000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Key Considerations
- Legal and administrative costs associated with defending suits and overseeing the prohibition measures.
- Compliance costs related to monitoring and ensuring adherence to the statutory protections.
- Impact on public health and economic outcomes through improved access to reproductive health services.