So, why has Congress tied up Zika funding in reproductive politics? The Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, but it also can spread through sexual transmission. So funding for anti-Zika efforts that excludes access to safe and affordable contraception and abortion ignores a necessary prevention effort. Three babies have already been born in the United States with severe Zika-related birth defects. Hundreds more continue to be born worldwide. How many neurologically devastated babies will have to be born for Congress to make sure that every weapon is available to fight Zika?