LWV Statement on President Trump's Assault on Women's Right to Contraceptive Care

Washington, DC - League of Women Voters issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that employers can now opt out of birth control coverage, required by the Affordable Care Act.

"This administration’s decision to dismantle vital health care coverage for nearly 62 million women is misguided and discriminatory.

"Eliminating employer-covered birth control coverage, a requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a direct assault on a woman’s right to make her own health care choices.

"The provision included in the ACA has saved women an estimated $1.4 billion in out of pocket costs for contraception coverage. Nine out of 10 women use birth control at some point in their lives for family planning or other medical reasons. Birth control is critical for effective family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies, which we know opens up more opportunities for women and increases lifetime earnings.

"Today’s decision turns back the clock for women. It seriously undermines and undercuts the very premise of the ACA that all Americans should have access to health care coverage. Allowing employers and insurance plans to pick and choose what should be covered will lead to discrimination against women. It will shred the essential protections for which generations have struggled. 

"The League of Women Voters strongly opposes this insulting decision by the Trump Administration."

Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]