Senate Bill 413, titled the “Right to Use Contraception Act,” would add a new article to Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes declaring that the right to use contraception to prevent pregnancy is a fundamental liberty. The bill states as a matter of state policy that North Carolina has no legitimate governmental interest in limiting a person’s freedom to use contraception for that purpose.
The measure is declaratory rather than regulatory: it does not create a licensing program, enforcement mechanism, or new penalties. Instead, it establishes a statutory statement of rights and legislative intent that could be used to interpret or support future legal challenges involving access to contraception or government restrictions on contraceptive use.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend Chapter 90 by adding Article 44, “Right to Use Contraception,” and would place a new statutory declaration in the health and medical code. Its practical legal effect would be to strengthen the state-law basis for contraceptive access and potentially influence how courts, agencies, or future legislation treat restrictions on contraception. The bill does not directly alter provider duties, insurance coverage, or criminal law, but it could affect state policy arguments and litigation involving reproductive autonomy and privacy.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the available evidence suggests a straightforward pro-contraception measure with supportive framing from its sponsors. The bill’s language is affirmative and rights-based, emphasizing liberty and noninterference rather than controversy or compromise. Because there are no transcripts or vote records provided, no formal opposition or bipartisan sentiment can be identified from the available materials.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the bill’s broad policy declaration that the state has “no legitimate governmental interest” in limiting contraception, which could be viewed by opponents as an expansive statement about state authority and reproductive rights. Supporters would likely frame it as protecting personal autonomy and access to birth control, while critics might question whether the legislature should make such a categorical constitutional-style declaration in statute. No specific objections, amendments, or recorded disagreements are available in the provided context.