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WASHINGTON, Apr 5, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. Senate Democrats say the time is right to vote on a bill that would expand access to contraceptives and sex education, a report said.
The Prevention First Act, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., would bar group health plans from excluding contraceptives and outpatient services, require hospitals receiving federal money to give contraceptives to sexual assault victims and mandate federal programs provide contraceptive information.
Democratic strategists told D.C. newspaper The Hill that now is the time for such a measure since women who support abortion rights are alarmed by the appointment of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court and state laws curbing abortions.
Anna Greenberg of NARAL Pro-Choice America said the bill is smart policy and politics even though most U.S. residents oppose abortion.
"There is overwhelming support in the public for access to birth control and comprehensive sex education," Greenberg said. "People want women to be able to prevent unwanted pregnancies."
While Reid said he hoped to call his legislation for a vote soon, Senate conservatives said the effort will fail.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
