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Wasserman Schultz Original Co-Sponsor of Hobby Lobby Response Legislation

07/09/14
WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats today introduced legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood v. Burwell. The Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014 would explicitly prohibit for-profit employers that maintain a group health plan for its employees from using religious beliefs to deny employees coverage of contraception or any other vital health service required by federal law.
 
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a staunch advocate of women’s reproductive rights and access to quality, affordable, comprehensive health care for all Americans, is an original co-sponsor of the bill.
 
“The Supreme Court’s decision in these cases effectively said that the religious preferences of employers trump the personal health rights and decisions of employees, and Congressional Democrats believe this posture is not only legally weak, but a gross intrusion into the personal lives of women and families,” Rep. Wasserman Schultz said. “This bill reaffirms what we know to be true, that employers don’t belong in the bedrooms, doctor’s offices, or pharmacies of their employees.”
 
The bill exempts federally mandated health services from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 while keeping in place exceptions for religious employers (e.g., houses of worship) and accommodation of religious non-profits who do not wish to provide contraceptives.
 
The House bill was introduced by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
 
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WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats today introduced legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood v. Burwell. The Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014 would explicitly prohibit for-profit employers that maintain a group health plan for its employees from using religious beliefs to deny employees coverage of contraception or any other vital health service required by federal law.
 
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a staunch advocate of women’s reproductive rights and access to quality, affordable, comprehensive health care for all Americans, is an original co-sponsor of the bill.
 
“The Supreme Court’s decision in these cases effectively said that the religious preferences of employers trump the personal health rights and decisions of employees, and Congressional Democrats believe this posture is not only legally weak, but a gross intrusion into the personal lives of women and families,” Rep. Wasserman Schultz said. “This bill reaffirms what we know to be true, that employers don’t belong in the bedrooms, doctor’s offices, or pharmacies of their employees.”
 
The bill exempts federally mandated health services from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 while keeping in place exceptions for religious employers (e.g., houses of worship) and accommodation of religious non-profits who do not wish to provide contraceptives.
 
The House bill was introduced by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
 
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