Democratic Leader Pelosi’s Statement on Hobby Lobby Decision

Elanna Cahn — June 30, 2014 – 1:23 pm | Women's Leadership Network | Civil Rights | Congress | Democrats | Women's Issues Comments (0) Add a comment

Washington, D.C. - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, allowing for-profit corporations to exclude birth control coverage in their employees’ insurance plans:

“Today, the Supreme Court took an outrageous step against the rights of America’s women, setting a dangerous precedent that could permit for-profit corporations to pick and choose which laws to obey.  This deeply misguided and destructive decision is a serious blow to Americans’ ability to make their own health decisions.

“Health care decisions should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her faith and her doctor - not by her boss, not by insurers, and not by Washington politicians.  One of the primary goals of the Affordable Care Act is ending the decades of inequality endured by America’s women forced to settle for less health care at a higher price.  Addressing this gender disparity means comprehensive coverage of the full array of women’s health services, period. 

“Although the Court restricted their ruling to ‘closely-held’ companies, this ruling will immediately affect the lives of millions of women across the country.  Over 90 percent of America’s businesses are ‘closely-held,’ including such large employers as Koch Industries and Bechtel.  Women should not be forced to jump through extra hoops to secure the fundamental health care they need.  Allowing employers and CEOs to limit the health care available to employees is a gross violation of their workers’ religious rights.  It’s just not her boss’s business.  No employer should have the right to limit the health choices of its employees, male or female.”

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