The Administration Announces a Constructive Policy on Contraceptive Coverage for Women Employed by Religiously-Affiliated Organizations

A Statement from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today President Obama announced that women will have free preventive care that includes contraceptive services no matter where they work, while simultaneously accommodating religious institutions that may object to contraception. The policy ensures that if a woman works for a religiously affiliated employer with objections to offering contraceptive services as part of its health plan, that employer will not be required to offer insurance that covers contraception, but the woman's insurance company will be required to offer contraceptive care free of charge directly to her.

"Today's announcement from the Obama Administration regarding contraceptive coverage is good news for women, especially those employed by religiously affiliated organizations," said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "The solution represents a common sense commitment to help ensure that contraception is available to all women without co-pays or deductibles no matter where they work.

"Contraception should not be controversial. It is basic, preventive health care that improves the lives and health of women and children and makes it possible for women to chart their own lives, stay in school as long as they choose to do so, fully participate in the workforce, and achieve other life goals. As President Obama noted, 99 percent of American women have used contraception at some point and more than half of all women between the ages of 18-34 struggle to afford it.

"Contraception saves money and also reduces abortion. This policy is a step forward for millions of women who will now be able to get contraception through their insurance plans whether they work at a religiously-affiliated organization or not."

Under Section 2713 of the Affordable Care Act, the Administration adopted guidelines that will require most private health plans to cover preventive services for women, including contraception, without co-pays or deductibles starting on August 1, 2012. The Administration announced today that it will publish a final rule in the Federal Register that does this while exempting religious houses of worship from this rule and establishing a one year transition period for religiously-affiliated organizations to comply with the new policy. During this transition year, the Administration will finalize a new regulation that ensures that women who work for employers with religious objections can get contraception free of additional cost directly through insurance plans.

About The National Campaign: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults. We support a combination of responsible values and behavior by both men and women and responsible policies in both the public and private sectors. If we are successful, child and family well-being will improve.

SOURCE The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy