February 10, 2012

Washington, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement today after the Obama administration announced a new health care rule guaranteeing women access to free contraception coverage through their employer while protecting the religious freedom of faith-based institutions:

“I strongly support the rule announced today because in the year 2012, women should not be denied access to contraception. Ninety-nine percent of women in America have used contraception at some point in their lives, and contraceptive services play a critical role in maintaining women's health. Whether women choose to use contraception should be their decision, not the decision of their employers or politicians in Washington.

“The rule announced by President Obama today guarantees that all women will have access to free contraception coverage through their employers, while protecting the religious freedom of faith-based institutions.

"I hope Republicans will support this reasonable decision, which has already gained support from both the Catholic Health Organization and Planned Parenthood, instead of trying to impose their will on American women by denying them access to contraception. I will oppose Republican efforts to move the goalposts on this issue, including their extreme legislation that would allow any employer to deny coverage for a range of critical health services for women based on vaguely defined personal objections. American women have a right to make their own health decisions, and Democrats will fight to protect that right.”

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