WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in recognition of World Contraception Day, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-6), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and reproductive freedom advocates to highlight extremist Republican threats to contraception.
"Thank you so much, Congresswoman Manning, for your continued leadership in our defense of reproductive freedom. And to all my colleagues who are here and to all who stand with us. And thank you to Dana and our grassroots partners for bringing your voices to bear in this fight.
"As Congresswoman Manning said, today is World Contraception Day — a global call for the basic autonomy and bodily freedom that is owed to every person. No matter their gender. No matter the country they happened to be born in.
"This year’s theme puts it plainly: 'A choice for all. Freedom to plan. Power to choose.' Common sense. A cause that we should be fighting for in every corner of the world. A fight America used to lead. But not anymore.
"Here in America, MAGA Republican ideology has rolled back the clock on women, on freedom, and on the fight for access to birth control.
"470 days ago, Congresswoman Manning reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act. Both of the MAGA Majority's two speakers in this session have refused to put it up for a vote. So this summer — 114 days ago — she filed a discharge petition. An opportunity for every House Republican to show where they stand. To match their rhetoric with an actual signature. A chance to cross the aisle and put people over politics. To choose freedom over fealty to Donald Trump. Not a single Republican has had the courage to make that choice.
"Unfortunately, that does not come as a surprise. They’ve told us their vision for women and girls in this country. It is written down in Project 2025: tearing birth control options out of your insurance coverage, conducting what they call 'abortion surveillance,' prosecuting pharmacists and jailing doctors, arresting women for the 'crime' of having a miscarriage. All under the authority of a nationwide abortion ban — with zero exceptions.
"So, today is a reminder of just how profound an injustice has been inflicted on us. We should be a model of freedom and dignity. But MAGA Republicans have made us ground zero in the struggle for freedom. They've rescinded human rights — and they’re coming for more.
"We will not stop fighting back. These extraordinary advocates will not stop fighting back. The American people will not stop fighting back, until we restore and permanently cement reproductive freedom in our country.
"And now, it’s my pleasure to introduce a leading champion for that brighter future, our colleague from Florida, Debbie Wasserman Schultz."
Photos of the event can be found HERE, the full event can be viewed HERE.