WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in light of today's ruling by the Supreme Court that some for-profit private corporations, such as Hobby Lobby, can deny their employees contraceptive coverage:
“I am greatly troubled by today’s Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby contraceptive case. Today’s ruling jeopardizes women’s access to crucial health services and perpetuates the myth that corporations are people. This decision directly contradicts the values of a majority of Americans who believe that women - not corporations - should be in charge of their own health care. Today’s ruling could allow employers not only to impose their religious beliefs about contraception on their employees, but could also allow them in the future to take away other crucial benefits, like vaccinations or HIV screenings. The same Court that decided Citizens United has - with today’s ruling - moved further down the dangerous path of placing decisions that greatly affect Americans’ lives in the hands of corporations. I strongly disagree with today’s ruling and I will continue to fight for a woman’s right to make her own choices about her health."
