Draft Ruling
Ongoing
Policy Summary
The Trump administration drafted a rule to roll back federal requirements to include contraceptives in health insurance packages. The Obama administration mandated free contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act, although it was highly controversial. The mandate saved women across the country $1.4 billion on birth control pills in 2013 alone. The new ruling would exempt any religious organizations or private and public entity with religious or moral convictions from the mandate’s requirements. If the ruling passes, hundreds of thousands of women could be denied birth control benefits. There will likely be a big push back from advocacy groups and Democrats as the ruling advances. LEARN MORE
Analysis
The religious leaders, non-profit organizations, hospitals, colleges, and other entities that disagree with the Obama administration’s expansion of contraceptive services are overstepping their boundaries and violating the rights of women over their own bodies. The option to use contraceptives is a fundamental aspect of women’s healthcare. Not providing this option on the grounds that it encourages sinful or immoral behavior implies that organizations or businesses have more authority over women’s bodies than women themselves. Access to free contraceptives is an essential component of women’s health and it should be up to each individual woman (not her employer) if she wants to use contraceptives or not. The rights of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies should come before the opinions of organizations. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Center for Reproductive Rights – Learn more about reproductive and women’s health issues in the US and worldwide. Join, donate, and get involved in change.
- Pro-Choice America – This organization believes that all women should have complete control over their bodies and their futures. Learn more and get involved.
- As always, contact your state’s elected officials and voice your concerns.
This brief was compiled by Ann Furbush. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact Ann@usresistnews.org.
