Updated: Oct. 6, 2017
Hey there, ladies! So, you’ve been scouring the job market, right? Well, in addition to searching for a gig with decent pay and flexible hours, you might want to think about your future family planning. Thanks to recent changes from the Trump administration, the requirement for employers to include free birth control in their health plans has been rolled back.
In a move that seems to favor employers over women’s health, the administration has now allowed any employer to opt out of providing birth control coverage if they claim a “moral objection.” It’s a bit like being able to skip out on a group project because you just don’t feel like contributing.
When the Affordable Care Act was introduced in 2010, it mandated that all employers cover birth control—except for explicitly religious organizations like churches. Immediately, lawsuits started pouring in from groups like The Daughters of the Faith and companies like Crafty Corner, who felt their beliefs were being infringed upon. Even after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Crafty Corner in 2014, allowing closely-held companies to refuse coverage, there was still discontent. They weren’t satisfied with the workaround that let the government handle the necessary arrangements without the employer needing to be involved.
Fast forward to now, and it seems the complaints have been heard loud and clear. Employers can now cease offering birth control coverage without even telling the federal government. All they need to do is inform their employees. How convenient, right? The Department of Health and Human Services claims that only a tiny fraction of women will be affected by this new rule, which is ridiculous. As if saying “only a few grandmothers would be harmed by poisoning them” makes it acceptable!
The reality is many women will face challenges affording birth control, and if they can’t afford that, they certainly can’t afford a child. This isn’t just about finances; it’s about a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her own body while maintaining her employment. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” If employers get the green light to dictate reproductive choices for even a tiny percentage of women, it sets a worrying precedent for all women across the nation.
And let’s be honest, we’re not happy about this.
For more information on navigating your reproductive choices, check out this resource, or if you’re interested in at-home options, you might find this article useful. If you’re considering self insemination, this site is a great authority on the subject.
In summary, the Trump administration has made it easier for employers to opt out of providing birth control coverage, which could significantly impact women’s access to reproductive health. This change raises concerns about women’s rights and the ability to make personal decisions about their bodies while working.