Democrat’s ‘Contraception Begins at Erection’ Bill Turns Heads in Mississippi

Mississippi State Senator Bradford Blackmon has introduced a controversial bill titled the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act.”

The legislation, filed on January 20, seeks to address perceived double standards in reproductive legislation by focusing on the role of men in contraception and reproduction.

A new bill called “contraception begins at erection act” was just filed in Mississippi. pic.twitter.com/3DPoGKdFC0

— Boston Smalls (@smalls2672) January 23, 2025

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The bill, as written, would make it “unlawful for a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo.”

Violators would face fines, escalating with each offense: $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second, and $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

The act explicitly exempts situations such as genetic material used for medical donations, procedures intended for future fertilization, and cases where contraception is utilized to prevent fertilization. If enacted, the law would take effect on July 1, 2024.

In a statement to WLBT News, Blackmon explained the rationale behind the bill: “All across the country, especially here in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the woman’s role when men are fifty percent of the equation. This bill highlights that fact and brings the man’s role into the conversation.”

Blackmon further elaborated in an interview with Newsweek, stating, “When a bill has been filed that would regulate what a man is able to do with his own body in his own home, it suddenly has people in an uproar. I am trying to figure out when it is okay for the government to dictate what you do in the privacy of your own home. Apparently, it is when the laws regulate men.”

The legislation comes amid ongoing debates over reproductive rights in the United States following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Mississippi’s “trigger law” banning abortion went into effect in July 2022, after the court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Blackmon noted the significance of the case originating in Mississippi, stating, “It is rich that the landmark Supreme Court decision of Dobbs… began it all, here, in the state of Mississippi.”

Blackmon, 34, assumed office in 2024, representing Mississippi’s 21st District in the state Senate. He serves on several committees, including Medicaid, judiciary, insurance, and public property.

He is also the vice-chair of the technology committee.

His legislative record includes bills on taser regulations, revising the definition of “sex offense” to include incest convictions, and increasing the limitations on noneconomic damages.

The bill has sparked strong reactions on social media and among commentators.

Conservative blogger and talk show host Erick Erickson commented on X, formerly Twitter, “You can immediately tell this legislator is a Democrat because the piece doesn’t mention his party affiliation at all.”

You can immediately tell this legislator is a Democrat because the piece doesn’t mention his party affiliation at all. https://t.co/gHXWPqYnfz

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) January 23, 2025

Local news anchor Wendy Suares highlighted the bill’s aim to address men’s role in reproduction, posting, “‘Conception Begins at Erection’ – A Mississippi lawmaker filed this bill to make a point – While most bills relating to contraception/abortion focus on the woman’s role, men are 50% of the equation.”

An account dedicated to equity and social justice, Truth Matters, shared skepticism about enforcing such legislation, stating, “It could get expensive to have some fun methinks. My biggest concern here is how do you police it.”

The bill must pass through both the Mississippi state Senate and House before being signed into law.

A majority vote is required for its approval.

Whether the bill advances remains uncertain, but it has already succeeded in sparking a broader conversation about reproductive legislation and gender roles in contraception.

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