OPINION: Contraception is not a partisan issue. Let’s stop treating it like one

Let us make one thing clear: Republicans support birth control. And they should not be afraid to say so.

Despite a fervent and almost frenzied effort by certain groups to frame conservatives as increasingly anti-contraception, the reality is the vast majority of Republicans — like their Democrat peers — believe in preserving access to birth control. In Idaho, arguably one of the most conservative states in the union, 83 percent of Republican voters agreed that access to contraceptives should be maintained or expanded in our state according to a recent survey commissioned by the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network. When asked about the importance of contraceptives in reducing unplanned pregnancies and abortions in Idaho, that number jumped to 85 percent.  

We know that this support is felt nationally, too. A 2023 Gallup poll showed that close to 90 percent of Americans believe birth control is morally acceptable, including 86 percent of Republicans. Yet, playing politics with access to contraception in an effort to gain political leverage at the expense of Idahoans’ right to plan their own families is misguided. These actions force lawmakers into a partisan stance on an issue that is decidedly not. Even among some of the most conservative, pro-life voters in the country, there is major support for contraceptive access. 

The overwhelming consensus in favor of birth control underscores the importance of prioritizing policies that reflect the needs and preferences of constituents across the political spectrum — a reality exemplified in Idaho by the passage of Senate Bill 1234 earlier this year. Birth control has proven time and again to be a critical tool in the health care and family planning toolbox of Idahoans. Our state legislators recognized this and collaborated across the aisle to advance SB 1234 to extend the supply of prescription contraceptives from three months to six months. Some of Idaho’s most conservative state senators and representatives voiced their support for the measure to enhance access to birth control. The legislation is an important step forward when it comes to increasing availability of birth control and ensuring Idahoans have the resources to plan and grow their families effectively.  

In this laudable display of bipartisanship, conservative Republicans demonstrated their nuanced understanding that supporting contraception isn't about compromising values. It's about recognizing the tangible benefits birth control allows individuals, families and society. 

As Republican, pro-life women, we established the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network to ensure that all values and voices are considered as birth control remains a crucial issue in our communities. ICEN exists as an avenue to protect access to contraceptives and a safe space for dialogue without bias or judgment. We want to empower Idahoans to make sound decisions about their health and family planning while arming our policymakers with accurate information to protect and uplift the well-being of their constituents. 

At its core, championing initiatives that empower families to make informed decisions about family planning embodies the conservative values of personal liberty and individual responsibility. Yet, the narrative advanced by certain fear-mongers whose only agenda seems to be to ensure continued polarization in our politics fails to capture this nuanced perspective. Instead, it leans into outdated stigma and misinformation campaigns. 

The truth is contraception is not a partisan issue, and no one should treat it as one. Protecting access to birth control is a matter of personal empowerment, economic prudence, and family and community well-being. In Idaho, these are values central to our way of life and ones that we aim to uphold no matter the politics.

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Kelley Packer, Laurie Lickley and Tara Malek are on the board of directors for the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network.