MAGA Republicans tip their hand: They're after contraception, too

For decades, the forced-birth crowd pooh-poohed pro-choice activists’ warnings that partisan right-wing judges were out to gut Roe v. Wade. “Hysterical!” “Fearmongering!” Then the six-person radical majority shredded nearly 50 years of precedent to deprive women of bodily autonomy. The right responded, “Leave it to the states, they’ll be reasonable!” What followed were a series of inhumane, unworkable and dangerous abortion bans that have threatened women’s lives, created a shortage of doctors and sparked legal chaos and endless litigation.

Next, Democrats warned that Republicans were after IVF. “Absurd!” Well, Republicans in Congress voted against protection for IVF. Alabama effectively banned it before a backlash forced a reversal.

By now, you would think Democrats’ warnings that Republicans are coming after reproductive rights, including contraception, would be heeded. But, predictably, Republicans cry foul and deny any thought of snatching away contraception access. Ah, but along came felon and former president Donald Trump who let slip he was “looking at” contraception restrictions; then he backpedaled once he realized too much candor was politically disastrous.

And — no surprise — Republicans again showed their stripes last week. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer taunted Republicans before calling for a vote on bill offering national protection for contraception. “This week and in future weeks, Senate Republicans will have to answer for their antiabortion, anti-women agenda,” he said. “And my Republican colleagues should know that the American people are closely watching.”

https://wapo.st/3Rjjv7f