Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rick Scott (R-FL), along with 20 other Republican senators, have issued a joint statement criticizing Senate Democrats for promoting the Right to Contraception Act. The senators argue that the legislation misleads the public about contraception accessibility and infringes on religious freedoms and parental rights.

"There is no threat to access to contraception, which is legal in every state and required by law to be offered at no cost by health insurers," the statement reads. "It's disgusting that Democrats are fearmongering on this important issue to score cheap political points."

The bill, initially passed by the Democrat-controlled House in 2022 under Nancy Pelosi's leadership, is being revived by Senate Democrats. The Senate vote on the act is expected this afternoon.

The joint statement also claims that the bill would allow federal intervention in religious institutions and schools, including public elementary schools, mandating them to provide contraception such as condoms to children.

Among those signing the statement were Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Thune (R-SD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Steve Daines (R-MT).

Additionally, Dr. Paul has joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act aimed at promoting safe and effective contraception for women and families.