Tennessee must protect the rights and freedom of women to access contraception

In Tennessee, living under the nation's most extreme abortion ban, it's become clear that protecting the right to contraception is essential.

Introducing the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act (Senate Bill 1804/House Bill 1943) is our commitment to ensuring every Tennessean can make decisions about starting a family on their terms, without government interference.

The battle to protect reproductive freedom in Tennessee is intensifying.

The Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act is not just a legislative action; it’s a strong declaration of our commitment to personal freedoms and the well-being of all Tennesseans. This act serves as a beacon of hope amidst the wave of dangerous restrictions that threaten our right to make informed decisions about our reproductive health.

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There is broad bipartisan support for contraception access

Recent legislative efforts and court rulings, such as the Alabama Supreme Court’s IVF decision, declaring that stored embryos have the same legal protections as children, reveal the need for urgent action to secure reproductive autonomy.

The Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act   that we introduced aims to unequivocally affirm that access to contraceptives is a fundamental right of every Tennessean.

We seek to ensure that every resident has the freedom to use or refuse the birth control method of their choice without interference.

The necessity of this legislative action is supported by broad bipartisan support for protecting access to contraception. Poll after poll after poll shows that contraception is favored by more than 90%  of the public, including as many as 72% of Republican voters who consider access to birth control to be “deeply important.” This consensus highlights the potential of the Act to unite Tennesseans across different ideologies, emphasizing that reproductive rights are not a partisan matter but a question of personal freedom.

Contraception is the cornerstone to women’s health and equality

Our legislation aims to protect and expand access to all forms of contraception, from condoms to emergency contraception.

We want to ensure that every Tennessean has the autonomy to make decisions about their reproductive health without government interference.

This proactive step is crucial in a state where personal freedoms are increasingly under siege, and it reflects our belief in a Tennessee where everyone can plan their families and futures based on their own faith and values.

Contraception is the cornerstone of women's health and equality, representing our freedom to make life's most personal decisions. That's why sponsoring the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act is crucial. We're fighting to ensure that our rights to make those decisions remain protected.

Individuals should have the right to control their health

In our efforts to champion the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act, the endorsement of healthcare professionals underscores the legislation's profound importance. Among them is Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a Board-Certified Internal Medicine primary care physician practicing in Middle Tennessee, who stated, “Access to contraception is fundamental, enabling Tennesseans to control their reproductive health and enhance overall well-being. It's essential for public health and individual autonomy.”

We call on our fellow Tennesseans to stand with us. The Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act is a critical step in ensuring that contraception remains accessible and protected for future generations.

It is a testament to our collective belief in the rights of individuals to control their reproductive health and futures, demonstrating our shared commitment to a healthier and more equitable Tennessee.

Despite adversity, our resolve remains steadfast.

Our commitment to the health and freedom of all Tennesseans is unwavering. By championing the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act, we are not just advocating for reproductive rights, but also for the fundamental principles of autonomy and freedom that define our state.

Tennessee General Assembly members Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville (District 19), and Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville (District-90), are the sponsors of the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Contraception access: Protect rights and freedoms of Tennessee women