Golden pushes for House vote on Right to Contraception Act

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) is pushing to force a House vote on a bill to create statutory protections for an individual’s right to obtain and use contraception and enshrine the right of health care providers to provide contraception without interference from politicians. 

Golden announced today he will sign a discharge petition to bring H.R. 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, to the floor. He is a cosponsor of the bill. The discharge petition has 193 signatories so far.

“The Supreme Court upheld the right to access contraception in the landmark Griswold decisions in 1965, but the repeal of Roe v. Wade has emboldened those who seek to limit access and impede health care providers — not only with regard to abortion, but contraception too,” Golden said. “Supporting American families includes supporting the right of Americans to decide for themselves how and when to have children. The House should get a chance to vote on this bill.”

H.R. 4121 would establish a right to receive and use contraception free from coercion and ensure the right of health care providers to provide contraception, information, referrals and services related to contraception. It also would prohibit the federal government and states from restricting access or prohibiting individuals from helping others obtain contraception and would establish a right to sue states or governments that restrict the right to birth control. 

The House,with Golden’s support, passed an earlier version of the bill in 2022. The Senate never held a vote on that bill. 

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