Precedent for coverage of contraception

One of the highlights of the Affordable Care Act is its focus on preventive care, which helps stop health problems before they start. The ACA requires new private health plans written on or after Aug. 1 to cover FDA-approved contraceptive services at no cost to patients. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops claimed it violates its beliefs. In response, the Obama administration has amended the rule. Why do they suddenly have an issue with this?

In 2000, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined that an employer's failure to provide coverage of contraception is a violation of protections against sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; those protections include no exemption for religious employers. If religious employers have to abide by other laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, why is this any different?

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act explicitly requires equal treatment of women affected by pregnancy or related medical conditions in all aspects of employment. The PDA prohibits denial of benefits for oral contraceptives, which are effective in treating medical conditions affecting women. A woman should not be denied medical treatment based on religious beliefs of her employer.

If religious employers refuse to abide by this rule, perhaps they should refuse government funds.

Rebecca Lain

Cedar Rapids