Reproductive Equity Now Statement Following Connecticut Senate Passage of Legislation Protecting Youth Access to Care
H.B. 7213 would codify minors’ ability to confidentially consent to contraceptive & pregnancy-related care
HARTFORD (May 27, 2025) – Reproductive Equity Now’s Connecticut State Director Liz Gustafson released the following statement after H.B. 7213 An Act Concerning Access To Reproductive Health Care, legislation that would establish clear statutory protections for minors’ ability to confidentially consent to contraceptive and pregnancy-related care, passed through the Connecticut State Senate today 31-5.
“With today’s victorious and final vote in the State Senate, Connecticut has further affirmed young people’s right to access contraceptive and pregnancy-related care,” said Liz Gustafson, Connecticut State Director for Reproductive Equity Now. “With the passage of H.B. 7213, the General Assembly has voted to explicitly enshrine young people’s ability to confidentially consent to and access the contraceptive and pregnancy-related care they need – with dignity and safety. Connecticut has a long history of recognizing young people’s right to exercise their autonomy, and this legislation ensures that every person in the Nutmeg state can access the timely and essential care they deserve without unnecessary delays or denials. We are grateful for the leadership of our legislative champions in the House and the Senate, and look forward to Governor Lamont’s signature, further proving Connecticut's commitment to reproductive freedom.”
Earlier this month, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed H.B. 7213 with bipartisan support. In March, Gustafson submitted written testimony in support of H.B. 7213 ahead of a public hearing on the legislation in the Connecticut Public Health Committee.
HB 7213 is part of Reproductive Equity Now’s Connecticut 2025 legislative priorities, which include advocating for protecting patient access to care, bolstering shield protections for abortion providers, and affirming the right to emergency pregnancy-related care amidst federal attacks.
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