Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) applauded the decision by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure access to affordable birth control, and not further expand the refusal provision to the birth control coverage benefit under the Affordable Care Act.

The ruling from HHS implements a key provision of the Affordable Care Act requiring that employers cover preventive health services, including birth control, free of charge through their health plans. HHS announced today that it will maintain its current exemption for churches, rather than expanding it more broadly, but religiously-affiliated organizations such as church-affiliated hospitals, universities, social service organizations and similar institutions will be given a year-long phase-in to comply with the rule.

“This is a victory for women across this country,” said Rep. Gwen Moore. “Not only will women be able to continue to receive birth control – a necessary preventative health measure for women - but it will remain affordable which is crucial in these tough economic times. I am pleased that the administration has once again chosen to stand up for the rights of women and affirm their commitment to providing them with the health services they deserve."

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