WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a cosponsor of the Right to Contraception Act, issued the following statement after voting to advance legislation to codify the right to access contraception into law. The legislation failed to reach the 60-vote threshold to move forward by a margin of 51-39.

“For over 50 years, Americans’ right to contraception has been protected by the Supreme Court. But in the years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we have seen countless attacks on reproductive rights across the country including, unfortunately, in Virginia. Birth control is an essential part of health care, and the right to decide if and when to start a family should never be taken away from individuals. This legislation would have protected the right of women and families to access contraception without delay, harassment, or intimidation. I’m disappointed by today’s vote, but I will continue supporting measures that allow women to access the care they need.”

Earlier this year, Sen. Warner cosponsored legislation that would guarantee timely access to birth control at pharmacies nationwide. Today’s vote follows a move by Virginia state legislators to preserve contraception access in the Commonwealth, though that effort was eventually vetoed by the Governor.

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