U.S. House passes contraception protections, with all Texas Republicans opposed

The U.S. House passed a measure Thursday that would codify the right to contraception, with Texas Republicans uniting in opposition. The legislation is one in a series of bills brought by Democratic leaders since the Supreme Court’s decision last month to eliminate federal abortion protections. As part of that ruling, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the court could also revisit the right to contraception and same-sex marriage. Earlier this week the House passed a measure offering federal protections for same-sex marriage, with Texas Republican Tony Gonzales of San Antonio joining Democrats in support. Republican House members on Thursday said they support contraception access, but faulted the latest measure for ignoring religious groups that object to contraception. Anti-abortion groups have also tied the bill to emergency contraception and the abortion pill mifepristone.

“This bill is not about contraception, which would prevent pregnancy,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, a Dallas Republican. “It’s about funding unlimited access to abortion pills.” The bill passed 228-195, with eight Republicans in support. Two Republicans voted present. As written, the legislation would prohibit restrictions on contraception or the ability of health officials and others to provide it. Its prospects are unclear in the Senate, where Democrats hold a razor thin majority. States like Idaho and Texas have prohibitions on funding emergency contraceptives in certain state-funded heath and family planning programs. Rep. Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat, said Mississippi and Louisiana are also moving to add restrictions. “These extreme proposals build on decades of Republican work to restrict access to essential reproductive health services,” he said, adding, “While the right to contraception is legal today, we must act to ensure this remains true in the future.”