Take Action to Oppose HHS' Proposed Religious Exemption for Contraception

As we shared last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that included the adoption of the Institute of Medicine's recommendation that health plans cover the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods without co-pays.

Although this was a tremendous step forward in public health, HHS also included in this historic rule an exemption for religious institutions. The exemption would apply to group health plans in non-profit organizations that primarily employ staff who share the religious tenets of the organization. The Obama administration is now considering expanding this exemption and is expected to announce their decision in the coming days.  

California Family Health Council (CFHC) strongly opposes the exemption as it would limit access to contraceptives which preserve the health and safety of women. The Affordable Care Act is a monumental step forward in increasing accessibility to preventative health services. Exempting religious institutions from covering FDA-approved contraceptive methods is a direct attack on women's accessibility to preventative care and undermines the significance of the Affordable Care Act.

While religious leaders continue to meet with President Obama on expanding the exemption, we must take a stand and remind him that American women must have access to contraception without cost and with no exceptions! Call the President today and voice your opposition to the religious exemption!

 

Take Action!

 

Contact the White House today at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact or 202-456-1111.

 

Sample email message:

I am writing to urge President Obama to stand with the 99% of women who use contraception and the millions of families who need and deserve affordable, high quality family planning services.The goal of health care reform was to expand access to preventive health care. The Administration must ensure access to contraception without cost-sharing for all women receiving health coverage from their employers, without exception.  Please oppose the religious exemption in the Women's Health Preventive Services proposed rule.

 

Sample phone script:

Hello. My name is ______________ and I'm calling from __________ to urge the President to strongly oppose the religious exemption included in the Women's Health Preventive Services proposed rule released by HHS in August.

 

Please help us track our collective impact.  After you take action, please email keshishianc@cfhc.org with "I Contacted the President" in the subject line.