SIECUS applauds court decision blocking Trump’s birth control rollback

For Immediate Release
January 14, 2019

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 3330
zeisenstein@siecus.org

Today, a U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania issued a nationwide injunction, preventing the Trump administration’s latest attempt to limit access to contraceptive care from going into effect. Samantha Dercher, SIECUS’ Federal Policy Director, released the following statement in response:

“We applaud the decision to temporarily block this rule–one that would drastically expand an employer’s ability to deny employee health insurance coverage for contraceptives due to ‘religious or moral objections.’

The Trump administration continues to justify regulations like these as defenses of religious freedom. However this court ruling, yet again, exposes these efforts for what they truly are: ruthless attempts to restrict sexual and reproductive health and rights across the country.

We are encouraged by the courts’ continued efforts to defend the law, evidence, and civil rights over Trump’s illegal, ideologically-driven, and harmful decisions.

However, this is not the Trump administration’s first attempt to strip people of their rights to basic sexual and reproductive health care. And, unfortunately, it won’t be their last. SIECUS will continue working with partners, policy makers, and the public to hold this administration accountable.”

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The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) has served as the national voice for sex education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 50 years. SIECUS asserts that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the rights of all people to accurate information, comprehensive sexuality education, and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice inclusive of sexual and reproductive rights.