Congresswoman Fudge's Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and Harris v. Quinn

Statement

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding two U.S. Supreme Court decisions issued today. Burwell v. Hobby Lobby determined certain corporate CEOs are not required to provide employees contraceptive coverage as part of their health plan under the Affordable Care Act. Harris v. Quinn decided who could be required to pay agency fees to public sector unions:

"The Burwell v. Hobby Lobby ruling is extremely disappointing. The Supreme Court decided that certain owners of for-profit companies can choose which laws to obey and deny coverage of certain health benefits, hampering women's ability to exercise their reproductive rights. This decision implies that corporations are indeed people and the religious views of certain corporate CEOs are more important than the beliefs and personal health care decisions of their female employees.

"A woman and her physician, not her employer, should make health care decisions that are best for her. The Affordable Care Act has put women in control of their own health care and provided free preventive services at no additional cost. The Court's ruling has no impact on my commitment to protect women's access to free contraceptive coverage and other reproductive rights.

"The U. S. Supreme Court's ruling in Harris v. Quinn impacted individual's rights in a different way. The majority gave a free ride to workers who decline to join public unions but often benefit from union negotiations. The ruling continues the erosion of public unions' ability to collectively bargain for American workers. However, I am relieved that the Court limited its decision and did not completely eliminate the right of unions to require "fair share fees.'

"Clearly, the Harris decision will reduce the resources affected unions will have to support all employees. Union representation and advocacy remain vital to maintaining a strong middle class. Today's decision is a step backwards."

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