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
Make Emergency Contraception Available for All Women
Tell HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to follow the recommendations of scientific experts and make the "morning-after" pill available to all women.
Domestic Violence Is Not a "Nuisance"
No one should face homelessness for calling the cops to stop domestic violence! Sign our open letter calling for the repeal of nuisance ordinances so that women aren’t punished for calling the police.
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 2012.
Having trouble with the map above? Find your state here.
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
Where is the Outrage Over Sexual Assault in the Military?
Three military officers in charge of preventing and addressing sexual assault were arrested on various sexual assault charges. So why haven’t some of the most outspoken anti-choice politicians spoken out against it?
Cuomo Pushes Women's Equality Agenda
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says it would be the “height of hypocrisy" for the legislature to fail to pass the women's Equality Agenda.
Why Young Women Need Access to Plan B®
Even when people practice safe sex, accidents happen. So it makes sense that there should be a backup method available, like emergency contraception, for when things don't go according to plan. Sadly, that's not the reality for everyone.
