New Rule Prioritizes Employer ‘Morals’ Over Employee Health

For Immediate Release
October 6, 2017

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
zeisenstein@siecus.org

A new rule was published today setting the stage for employers to exclude coverage for contraception from their health insurance policies.

Chitra Panjabi, President and CEO of SIECUS, released the following statement in response:

“Today’s rule, once again, shows that this Administration has no qualms revoking employee rights to bodily autonomy and access to health care in the name of ‘religious or moral freedom.’ This is not only blatant discrimination, but also, poses a threat to the sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing of people across the country.

In expanding the types of employers and institutions whose religious beliefs can trump the health needs of employees and students, this new rule will result in hundreds of thousands of women, trans, and gender nonconforming people losing access to no-cost birth control coverage.

All people have the human right to make decisions about their own bodies and control their lives; this rule severs affordable access to contraception, effectively robbing women, trans, and gender nonconforming people of a future of their own choosing.”

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SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.