Expressing support for the recognition of September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global and domestic access to contraception.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 53
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-29T13:48:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 53) expresses support for designating September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day." It also conveys the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance of improving global and domestic access to contraception, emphasizing reproductive health rights, equity, and public health benefits.
Key Provisions Outlined
The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses highlighting historical, legal, health, and equity aspects of contraception, followed by 13 resolved points expressing Congress's sense that:
- Congress and the administration should ensure universal, affordable access to contraception for all people.
- Individuals capable of pregnancy should have autonomy in family planning decisions, supported by accurate information, education, and services.
- Efforts should expand access, including addressing "contraceptive deserts" (areas lacking full-range contraceptive services), studying innovations, and using federal policies to improve availability.
- Insurance coverage should be comprehensive and affordable for reproductive health needs, including over-the-counter (OTC) contraception without cost-sharing.
- Training for primary care providers should increase for effective reversible methods like implants or IUDs (intrauterine devices).
- Contraception is defined broadly to include all FDA-approved methods, from pills and condoms to sterilization and emergency options.
- Laws on contraception should be based on medical evidence.
- Disparities in reproductive health due to race, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, gender identity, and sexual orientation should be addressed.
- Gender-based violence, which affects women disproportionately, should be combated.
- Comprehensive, inclusive sex education and counseling should be expanded, covering body knowledge, contraception methods, and human rights.
- U.S. foreign aid should support contraception, safe abortion, and post-abortion care globally; domestic programs like Title X (a federal family planning initiative) should be bolstered.
- Policies undermining contraception programs should be opposed, with increased funding for programs under Medicaid (public health insurance for low-income people), Indian Health Service, TRICARE (military health care), and USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development).
- Access to OTC birth control and other methods should be expanded without needing a prescription.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or amendments to existing laws. It reaffirms prior recognitions, such as constitutional privacy rights for contraception and support for programs like Title X and Medicaid, but does not enact new mandates or alter statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Could encourage agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and USAID to prioritize funding and training for contraception access, potentially leading to policy reviews or expanded programs without requiring new legislation.
- On Citizens: May raise public awareness of reproductive rights, reduce barriers like cost or provider shortages, and promote equity in health care, particularly for underserved groups. It highlights benefits like fewer unintended pregnancies, better maternal health, and improved education/economic outcomes.
- On International Relations: Supports U.S. alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals for universal reproductive health access by 2030, potentially strengthening partnerships with global health organizations and aid recipients in low- and middle-income countries, while advocating against restrictive policies abroad.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Communities: Women, people of color, Native American and Alaska Native populations, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people (especially transgender individuals), low-income groups, and those in rural or "contraceptive desert" areas who face access barriers.
- Healthcare Providers: Physicians, pharmacists, and clinics (e.g., Title X providers) needing training or facing refusal rights; impacts those serving diverse or underserved patients.
- Government and Programs: Federal agencies (HHS, CMS, USAID), state health departments, and programs like Medicaid and TRICARE; international aid recipients and UN member states.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations promoting reproductive justice, sex education, and global health, including those addressing historical injustices like forced sterilizations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces the U.S. Supreme Court's recognition of contraception as a fundamental right under the constitutional right to privacy (from cases like Griswold v. Connecticut, which struck down bans on contraceptive use by married couples, and Eisenstadt v. Baird, extending it to unmarried people). It opposes conflating contraception with abortion and calls for evidence-based laws, potentially influencing challenges to state restrictions.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan or advocacy statement (introduced by Democrats) urging the administration and Congress to act on reproductive health amid ongoing debates. It critiques historical medical racism and coercion, promoting "reproductive justice" (the right to bodily autonomy and safe parenting). As a sense-of-Congress measure, it could signal support for future funding or legislation but carries no enforcement power, possibly galvanizing political support or opposition on reproductive rights issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-26: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the recognition of September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global and domestic access to contraception. — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (11 pages)