Blocking contraception plan unfair to women

The League of Women Voters has supported access to universal, quality health care since 1993. The league is also committed to public policy that respects the rights of individuals to make their own reproductive health decisions. That is why the league is so deeply concerned about recent proposals that would allow employers and health plans to block contraceptive services that discriminate against women.

Recently, the U.S. Senate narrowly defeated an amendment that would limit access to contraception for women if any employer or insurance plan has an undefined “religious or moral objection” to it. This open-ended invitation to cut back on preventive health care services would turn back the clock for women and for American society.

While respecting other points of view, the league strongly believes that public institutions, including schools and hospitals that receive substantial federal assistance, should not deny coverage for contraception services for employees. Institutions that serve the public at large should not impose their own views but should respect the conscientious decisions of each individual.

The League of Women Voters believes that women should not be discriminated against by excluding preventive health services that are integral to quality, comprehensive health care.

Susan S. Russo

President

League of Women Voters of Central Kane County