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: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Target Audience
Population: Women and people needing contraception access
Estimated Size: 70000000
- The bill protects individuals' right to access contraception and healthcare providers' right to provide it, impacting everyone of reproductive age who might use contraceptive services or information.
- Globally, a significant portion of the population, including women and people with uteruses who are interested in preventing pregnancy, will be impacted.
- According to global data, about 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were reported in 2019, typically using or having access to contraception.
- Healthcare providers specializing in reproductive health globally will be impacted as they will receive statutory protections and may have to adjust practice standards accordingly.
Reasoning
- The target population primarily includes women of reproductive age and individuals seeking contraception services, approximately 70 million people in the US.
- The policy might not impact everyone equally, with some already having access to contraception, resulting in minimal perceived change for them.
- The financial constraints suggest a phased approach to implement this policy to balance effective coverage while managing budget outflows.
- The diversity in population geography, existing local laws, and healthcare infrastructure must be considered, leading to variance in policy impact.
Simulated Interviews
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to safeguard access to contraceptives, especially for students and young adults who might not have stable incomes.
- The policy reassures me that I can continue to access necessary healthcare services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Reproductive Health Clinic Manager (Austin, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legally safeguarding contraceptive service delivery is crucial for healthcare providers.
- This policy will allow us to focus more on expanding services rather than worrying about legal challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is critical for people like me who struggle with access.
- I hope it means more affordable and available contraception options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
High School Teacher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational and birth control decisions should not be hindered by legal or political barriers.
- The assurance that sterilization and other procedures remain protected is comforting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand the importance of accessible contraception throughout my career.
- This initiative is a worthy investment in women's rights and health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retail Worker (Portland, OR)
Age: 19 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Services like Planned Parenthood are essential, and this policy seems to secure their operation.
- I think it's a step towards recognizing and ensuring healthcare equality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Policy Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From a policy standpoint, ensuring access to basic healthcare services is fundamental.
- The long-term cost savings and societal benefits outweigh initial financial inputs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Reproductive Rights Activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a significant victory for reproductive rights and autonomy.
- Statutory protection ensures consistency across states which is highly needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Pastor (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While some might have differing views, ensuring access to healthcare generally contributes to societal well-being.
- Moral perspectives should be balanced with individual rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Lawyer (Denver, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 25.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing the legal challenges healthcare providers face can extend health services more effectively.
- This Act is necessary for clarifying and securing the legal landscape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $150000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- Legal aspects and the administration of lawsuits may result in initial higher costs as systems and processes are put into place.
- Long-term economic effects hinge on consistent enforcement and public awareness of rights provided by the bill.
- Fluctuations in healthcare access and costs could significantly affect estimates.