Wednesday, the Washington, DC City Council unanimously passed a bill that will prohibit employer interference in the reproductive health decisions of their employees. The Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014 was first introduced by DC Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large), just ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of for-profit retail chain Hobby Lobby this […]
Federal Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Affordable Care Act Birth Control Benefit
In a victory for women’s health, a unanimous panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit on Friday rejected a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) contraceptive coverage benefit brought by Priests for Life, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington and other religiously affiliated non-profit organizations.
HAPPENING NOW: #RJat20 Conversation Celebrates 20 Years of Reproductive Justice Work and Its Future
Reproductive justice advocates are currently convening in Chicago for the Reproductive Justice Leadership Summit & 20th Anniversary Celebration. We’re following the conversation on Twitter- here are some snippets!
Federal Judge Exempts Another Catholic University from Birth Control Coverage
The founder of Ave Maria University, Tom Monaghan – who also founded Domino’s Pizza – governs the town of Ave Maria. The town only has one OB/GYN and prohibits the distribution of contraception completely.
Students Protest Fordham University’s Anti-Birth Control Policy
Students at Fordham University are engaged in a battle against the New York City Catholic school’s anti-birth control policy.
Experts Recommend IUDs and Contraceptive Implants for Sexually Active Teenagers
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested sexually active teenagers use contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices over other forms of birth control.
New Legislation Would Improve Access to Emergency Contraception for Survivors of Sexual Assault
The Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act of 2014 would require hospitals that receive federal funding – including Catholic hospitals – to tell sexual assault survivors that emergency contraception is available to them and to provide it regardless of their ability to pay.
CVS Will Refund 11,000 Customers Illegally Charged for Birth Control
Congresswoman Jackie Speier alerted the chain that they were acting in violation of the Affordable Care Act earlier this month. Now, CVS has promised to issue refunds by October 1.
Under the Affordable Care Act, More Women Then Ever Have Free Access to Contraception
Two-thirds of American woman now have access to free birth control, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Illinois Expands Medicaid Funding for Contraception in Wake of Hobby Lobby
The Illinois Family Planning Action Plan would increase the amount of money set aside for health care organizations providing reproductive health care.
White House Releases New Rules Governing Birth Control Mandate
Tthe White House released new health insurance rules Friday for nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby earlier this summer.
More Investment in Women’s Health Needed as Africa’s Population Rises
Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
Close to Two-Thirds of Cameroonian Women Have Unmet Need for Contraception
Around 6,000 Cameroonian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 30 percent of those women did not want to become pregnant in the first place.
Floridians Rally To Support Not My Boss’s Business Act
Women’s health advocates came together in Central Florida last week to rally against the US Supreme Court’s June ruling in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell and push for federal legislation to overturn the decision.
New Bills Would Advance Reproductive Healthcare Gains of Affordable Care Act
Two new bills introduced in Congress could help improve health outcomes for people of color, low income communities, and female members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Wisconsin Will Not Enforce Contraceptive Coverage Law If Employers Raise Religious Objections
Citing the recent US Supreme Court ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) announced that it will no longer be enforcing the contraceptive benefit rule for employers with religious objections.
New Clarification Requires Corporations Refusing Contraceptive Coverage To Inform Their Employees
The White House clarified on Thursday that closely held for-profit corporations refusing to provide contraceptive coverage will be required to inform their employees.
Research Analysis Finds Covering Contraception is Good for Business
“Providing comprehensive coverage of contraceptive methods and services is not only sound public health policy,” Guttmacher states, “but also a savvy business decision.”
Bill to Reverse Hobby Lobby Decision Blocked in the Senate
A bill introduced by Democrats to reverse the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case failed Wednesday.
Supreme Court Decision On Wheaton College Further Threatens Contraceptive Access
A majority of the US Supreme Court granted a temporary emergency injunction to Wheaton College, ruling that the school does not have to comply with the Affordable Care Act contraceptive coverage benefit.
