Urge President Obama to Stand Firm on Women's Access to Birth Control
Remember last week? Remember the roar of indignation when Susan G. Komen for the Cure tried to pull support from Planned Parenthood's efforts to keep women healthy? That was your voice -- and the voice of the millions of American women who refuse to compromise on womens health care.
This week, the fight continues on a different front. The Obama administration is treating birth control as a form of preventive care, meaning that it will be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, some groups are already seeking to widen the existing and balanced exemption that respects both religious liberty and women's health options. These groups are saying they shouldn't be asked to cover birth control, even though the vast majority of American women, including their congregants, use birth control.
All women should have access to contraception, have it without a co-pay, and have it no matter where they work or learn. Send a message TODAY asking President Obama not to bow to pressure: Ensure contraceptive coverage for all women!
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for your administration's commitment to preserving access to birth control and other contraceptives as the health care reform law is implemented. We also appreciate that you have protected the existing balance between women's health needs and religious interests. Churches and houses of worship that hold religious beliefs against contraception will continue to be exempt. This balanced approach reflects that contraceptives are a vital and common part of women's preventive health care services but that the cost remains a burden for many American women.
I urge you to stand firm on your published rules -- they ensure that access to contraceptives is a right, not a privilege. In addition, we must make sure that women who work or study at religiously affiliated hospitals or universities receive the same quality preventive care options. I believe that all women should have access to contraception, have it without a co-pay, and have it no matter where they work or learn.
