Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has co-sponsored the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act, a legislative initiative led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The act aims to enhance access to and availability of safe and effective contraception for women and families.

This announcement precedes a vote organized by Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on legislation that Capito described as "partisan and extreme." According to Capito, this legislation is designed to mislead and invoke fear among the American public.

"Despite the falsities that Democrats have spread regarding access to birth control, the reality is contraception is legal across the entire United States. While Democrats continue to hold show votes on extreme legislation, I am proud to join Senator Ernst in this effort that provides a commonsense path forward for easier access to safe birth control, including those in rural areas," said Senator Capito. "Increasing over-the-counter contraception options and gaining a better understanding of where federal funding for contraception is currently going will enable us to better target the gaps that may be impacting access and where resources may be duplicated or misallocated."

The Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act includes several key provisions:

- Increases availability of birth control options on the market,

- Gives women more access to over-the-counter contraception options,

- Brings transparency to how government agencies are spending tax dollars to support women and families, and

- Ensures tax dollars are not being used to destroy life by funding abortions or abortion providers.