WASHINGTON, D.C. >> Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) released a statement on the U.S. Supreme Court”s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that for-profit corporations are allowed to exclude birth control coverage in their employees” insurance plans based on the owners” religious beliefs.
“Today”s Supreme Court decision took health care choices out of the hands of women and their doctors, and put them in the hands of corporate bosses and their religious beliefs,” Thompson stated. “The health care reform law rightfully put women and families in control of their own health care by covering preventive care, like cancer screenings, vaccines, and contraception, without copays or deductibles.
“Allowing corporate CEOs to deny their workers this care on the basis of their religious beliefs is a major step backwards. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to make sure any woman affected by today”s decision is still able to get the same federally-mandated preventive health benefits that everyone else is offered through the Affordable Care Act.”
