R Street Statement of Support for Rep. Hinson’s Birth Control Bills in the 119th Congress
April 2, 2026
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT:
The R Street Institute is proud to support the recent legislative package introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), which aims to expand access to safe and effective contraception. For years, our Project for Thriving Families has championed center-right efforts that remove bureaucratic hurdles for women across the country. These two bills represent a significant step toward modernizing our healthcare framework and addressing the unique challenges faced by those in rural communities.
The Access to LARCs Act takes a necessary, pragmatic step toward eliminating the “zip code barrier” to the most effective forms of birth control. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are vital for family planning, yet nearly 40 percent of women in rural areas lack access to a health center offering a full range of methods. This legislation addresses a critical fiscal and social reality by directing a study into access gaps at Community Health Centers. Our research indicates that every $1 spent on contraceptive services saves approximately $6 in public spending by averting unintended pregnancies, which currently cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $21 billion annually. We applaud Rep. Hinson for her leadership in championing this commonsense solution that supports women while reducing fiscal strain on the broader system.
Furthermore, the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act represents a critical market-driven shift in how we approach family planning. In many “OB-GYN deserts,” the primary barrier to contraception is bureaucratic rather than medical. Moving toward an over-the-counter model for regular oral contraceptives provides a vital lifeline for women in medically underserved areas who may struggle to reach a physician. This bill modernizes a regulatory framework that has lagged behind medical reality for decades and further reduces the taxpayer burden associated with unintended pregnancies. We are pleased to support Rep. Hinson’s continued leadership on this important legislation and encourage more members of Congress to join these efforts.
Anthony Lamorena
Senior Manager, Federal Affairs
R Street Institute
alamorena@rstreet.org