FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2017
Contact: Lauren Gray, Communications Director, NCLR
lgray@nclrights.org / (215) 983-3099
NCLR responds to Trump Administration’s Attack on Birth Control
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In yet another assault on access to health care, the Trump administration today issued a regulation that would dramatically undermine an essential benefit under the Affordable Care Act—insurance coverage for birth control. Following thwarted attempts by Congress to gut health care coverage, the administration implemented a sweeping exemption permitting any employer who cites a religious or moral objection to deny coverage for birth control.
NCLR Federal Policy Director Julie Gonen issued the following statement in response:
“This is a shocking and unconscionable attack on essential health care for women and others. Once again, this administration is seeking to dismantle longstanding civil rights protections and to force women and LGBTQ people back into the dark ages. This rule is aimed at making it more difficult for workers to access the health care they need and allows employers to dictate medical decisions that should be between a doctor and patient.
The new rule enshrines discrimination against women and others into law. Undoubtedly, it will embolden those who seek to discriminate beyond the birth control context, such as employers who demand exemptions from non-discrimination protections, with serious consequences for women, religious minorities, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ people.”
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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org