WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to introduce legislation to improve women’s access to safe and effective contraception.

“Women, including those in rural areas, should have ready access to safe, effective and affordable contraception. I’m glad to join Senator Ernst on this important, commonsense measure,” Grassley said. 

“Despite the fearmongering from the left, it’s clear Republicans have solutions to support women and families, and they are gaining momentum,” Ernst said. “My bill will increase over-the-counter contraception options while bringing much-needed transparency to ensure the government uses tax dollars to support families. I’ll continue to stand up for women’s access to safe and effective birth control while creating accountability for the Democrats’ radical agenda.”

The Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act would:

  • Increase access to over-the-counter contraception options;
  • Bring transparency to how government agencies are spending tax dollars to support women and families; and
  • Ensure agencies are not using tax dollars to fund abortions or abortion providers.

Additional cosponsors include Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Steve Daines (D-Mont.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho).

Related:

Grassley is pushing numerous efforts to bolster maternal health care, particularly for women living in rural areas. His Healthy Moms and Babies Act aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by providing high-quality, coordinated care. Grassley is also advancing legislation to allow already-allocated taxpayer resources to fund evidence-based stillbirth prevention initiatives. Most recently, he and his colleagues introduced the MOMS Act to expand telehealth capabilities and other pre- and post-natal care resources. His complementary leadership roles on the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Caucus on Foster Youth have long helped Grassley advance pro-life, pro-mother and pro-family policies. 

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