Republicans in the Senate block legislation aimed at safeguarding access to contraception.

Democrats in the Senate attempted to pass a bill recognizing a legal right to contraception on Wednesday, but it was blocked by Republicans. The bill aimed to highlight threats to reproductive freedoms as a key issue in the upcoming November elections.

The legislation would have ensured the right to access and use various birth control methods without government interference. A recent poll showed that many Americans are concerned about access to contraception being at risk following restrictions on abortion in conservative states.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights in light of current challenges, despite the fact that such legislation ideally shouldn’t be necessary in a perfect world.

The bill fell short of the necessary 60 votes to initiate debate, with only 51 senators supporting it. Reproductive rights have been a significant issue for Democrats since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Schumer has been introducing “messaging bills” to reinforce the party’s policy positions, including a recent border security bill and upcoming legislation on in vitro fertilization. Republicans have criticized these efforts as political stunts.

While Republicans argue that access to contraception is not under threat, Democrats believe that protecting reproductive rights is essential in the current political landscape.