Birth control is basic health care that benefits people and families across South Dakota.
House Concurrent Resolution 6005, would recognize the right to contraception and support access to contraception for all adults.
HELP US PASS THIS RESOLUTION: The House State Affairs Committee will hear testimony on this bill Wednesday morning.
We believe every sexually active individual should have safe, affordable access to a full range of contraceptive options. But don't just take it from us. Hear from South Dakotans who support House Concurrent Resolution 6005 in the video below.
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Meaningful access to contraception is integral to our vision of a world in which people are free to express their sexuality, form intimate relationships, lead healthy sexual lives and decide whether and when to have children. It’s critical to an individual’s autonomy, equality, and ability to participate in society.
The health benefits of birth control, however, extend far beyond simply preventing pregnancy. A person may take birth control to treat medical problems ranging from acne to endometriosis to ovarian cysts. Birth control can even help make menstrual periods more regular or reduce painful period symptoms. Birth control has had such a dramatic impact on individuals and families in America that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named it one of the top 10 public health achievements of the past century.
In South Dakota, however, legislators have done little to protect birth control rights. There are no laws, for example, to stop pharmacists from refusing to administer birth control prescriptions and emergency contraceptives if they choose not to, based on personal beliefs.
While no new legislation on contraceptives is expected this session, the fight continues to protect birth control rights.
Anti-abortion extremists are already seeking to control the bodies of pregnant people – and they won’t stop there. They are coming for our right to access birth control next. South Dakotans need to know that our legislative body supports our ability to determine our individual and collective futures. We want to get our legislators on the record supporting birth control and contraception.
