Ellison, Grijalva: Employee Health Decisions Should Never Be Made by Corporate Executives

Press Release

Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Reps. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell that certain corporations have the right to deny workers birth control coverage in their health care plans on grounds of religious objection.

"Today's decision is a step backwards for women's rights in America. The Roberts' Court consistently rules in favor of corporations and today's decision allows executives to interfere with a woman's health care decisions.

"A woman's personal health choices, including family planning, are not her boss' business. Denial of contraceptive coverage will require women to pay more for health care--nearly 60% of women who use birth control cite non-contraceptive reasons for taking it.

"While the ruling accepts the importance of other medical care screenings, it neglects the importance of family planning and the rights of women to make choices without interference from employers. Employee health decisions should never be made by corporate executives, no matter what the circumstance."

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