The Supreme Court this morning upheld President Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a 5-4 decision. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the majority. In the opinion (PDF), Roberts wrote, “We do not consider whether the Act embodies sound policies. That judgment is entrusted to the Nation’s elected leaders. We ask only whether Congress has the power under the Constitution to enact the challenged provisions.”
Feminist Majority Foundation president Eleanor Smeal said in a statement, “The Feminist Majority is elated that the Supreme Court has upheld the Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act – an historic advance for women and the most important advance in nearly 40 years.” She continued, “Feminists are determined to protect the gains of the Affordable Care Act.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) praised the decision on the floor of the Senate, saying Obamacare is “the greatest single step in generations” in creating access to health care. He continued, saying, “Our Supreme Court has spoken. The matter is settled. It’s time for Republicans to stop fighting yesterday’s battles.” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in his statement on the floor, said the Republicans would continue to fight, commenting, “Today’s decision makes one thing clear: Congress must act to repeal this misguided law.”
The ACA will significantly benefit women. Some 32 million people (a majority women) will gain access to health care insurance coverage including 16 million people (also a majority women) who will gain access through Medicaid.
CNN 6/28/12; National Federation of Independent Business et al. v. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services; CBS News 6/28/12; Feminist Majority Statement 6/28/12
