Press Release |

Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Birth Control Benefit

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing oral arguments in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New Jersey. This case concerns the Trump-Pence administration’s rule changes for contraceptive coverage to allow virtually any employer to opt out of this essential care. Board Chair Dr. Kristyn Brandi responds:

“Contraception is an essential component of health care. Its necessary coverage should not be lost to the whim of employers. It not only allows people to plan and space their pregnancies in a way that is best for their health and their families, but also helps manage a variety of health conditions. Insurance coverage must include birth control without extra fees so that patients can choose the method that meets their needs and have access to it consistently and affordably.

“Every day, I see the impact that birth control access has on my patients’ health and well-being. The contraceptive coverage benefit under the Affordable Care Act has done so much to reduce the barriers to birth control that patients frequently faced. We can’t go back to days when patients chose birth control based on what they could afford, not what is best for their health, lifestyle, values, priorities, and future.

No matter where you work, everyone needs and deserves birth control access

“No matter where you work, everyone needs and deserves birth control access. An employer’s beliefs have no place in these private decisions, just as they would not in any other conversation about a patient’s health care. Allowing employers to dictate birth control coverage sets a dangerous precedent for other health care services, including LGBTQ-specific care. This is a dangerous intrusion into their privacy and their ability to get the care they need.”