Legislative Alert | March 17, 2024

Right to Contraception Act (RTCA)

This past Wednesday, Republican lawmakers unanimously blocked an effort by Democratic lawmakers to force a vote on legislation guaranteeing the right to contraceptive access for all in Arizona. Affirm supports the RTCA as contraception and its use is basic healthcare that more than 99% of women in the U.S. have used in their lifetime.

The RTCA seemed like a common sense measure at a time when legislators in other states and at the federal level are working to ban forms of contraception (like IUDs and EC), interfering with people's ability to expand their families through IVF, banning abortion in any form and trying to decrease funding for Title X. It's common sense that is, if you support access to contraception.

With a majority of our state lawmakers voting against this effort, it begs the question: are they in line with the nearly 90% of Americans that support contraception and its use?

We'd like to ask you to take this moment to thank your state legislator if they supported the RTCA. You can find their contact information here.

Here is sample messaging you can copy/paste for an email:

I am writing to thank you for your support of the recent motion to ask for a vote on the Right to Contraception Act. Your unwavering commitment to advancing reproductive rights is commendable, and your leadership on this issue is inspiring and invaluable.

By advocating for the Right to Contraception Act, you are championing the fundamental right to reproductive health care and the autonomy and dignity of individuals across our state. Access to contraception is not just a matter of personal choice; it is a crucial component of healthcare equity, economic empowerment, and the overall well-being of individuals and families.

Your dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, specifically contraception, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background, is a testament to your commitment to justice and equality. Your efforts give hope to countless individuals who rely on affordable and accessible contraception to plan their futures, pursue their educational and career goals, and safeguard their health and well-being.

I am grateful for your leadership on this critical issue. This is a significant step forward in the fight for reproductive freedom.

• AZ Mirror Democrats tried to force a vote on contraception access, but Republicans shut it down
• Arizona Capitol Times Hobbs, Dem lawmakers push for rights to contraceptives
• PBS Horizon clip via X (formerly Twitter) Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton and The Right to Contraception Act floor actions on Wednesday
• Vox The anti-abortion playbook for restricting birth control
• Huff Post Arizona Republicans Refuse To Even Consider Basic Birth Control Protections

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Be sure to read what Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli suggests as a viable birth control method... And we recommend checking out this op-ed response to his insulting suggestion.

Thank you for helping us create a future where everyone has the trust, support, and information they need to choose what's best for them.

Sincerely,

P.S. Affirm is participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 2nd, a 24 hour fundraising event for Arizona non-profits.

Donations are crucial to our advocacy work, as our grant funding cannot be used toward any legislative organizing. If you find our legislative alerts informative and helpful, you can directly contribute to their continuation!

Check out our Arizona Gives page and make your plan to donate on Tuesday, April 2.

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