U.S. Government
All three branches of the federal government can have an impact on choice. The president and his administration can affect policies in several ways. Congress writes laws. The Supreme Court decides whether laws are constitutional.
Take Action
Protect Birth-Control Coverage for Millions of Women
Birth-control opponents are protesting the Obama administration’s decision to ensure birth-control coverage for millions of women.
Thank President Obama
Thank President Obama for ensuring millions of women will have insurance coverage for contraceptives.
The President
President Obama can do a lot to affect pro-choice policies.
- President Obama picks the people who oversee services important to women's health. He also nominates women and men to serve as judges on federal courts.
- President Obama can use executive orders to change some policies. Just after entering office, he canceled the anti-choice global gag rule.
- President Obama proposes the federal budget. Choice is part of many programs.
- President Obama has the power to sign into law or veto choice-related laws Congress passes.
Learn more about the powers of the president (PDF)
Congress
Congress—the House and Senate—creates laws and spends money on many health programs. The Senate also approves people the president picks to serve as judges or in key government positions. Right now, pro-choice lawmakers are outnumbered in both the House and Senate.
Find out how members of Congress voted on choice-related issues in 2011. Click your state to get started.
Federal Courts
Supreme Court justices and judges on lower federal courts affect women's lives when they rule on choice-related cases. To protect our rights, the president must choose judges who believe in the right to privacy.
Federal Choice-Related Laws
Learn about laws enacted by the U.S. government. They affect the lives of all women across the country.
News & Updates
The Facts About Birth control Coverage
Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, responds to critics of insurance coverage for birth control.
The White House Sets Record Straight on Contraceptive Coverage
Not sure what the new rules for insurance coverage of birth control will mean for you? Read this.
Fighting Back for Contraceptive Coverage
Nearly 30,000 pro-choice activists signed our letter in support of the Obama administration’s decision guaranteeing insurance coverage of contraception for millions of Americans.
