Humanists Speak Out Against Proposed Birth Control Rules
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor have
announcedthe finalization of two rules that allow employers to claim religious exemptions to avoid providing contraceptive care to employees under employer health insurance plans. This decision follows the publishing of interim rules in 2017, which were radical in their blanket protection for companies, nonprofits, and any closely held corporations that refuse to provide comprehensive medical coverage to employees.
The American Humanist Association
opposedthe interim rules in December, 2017, and we will continue to oppose any rules that give special rights to religious Americans at the expense of their employees. Privileging the religious views of corporate owners places a significant burden on people who wish to obtain healthcare, as the costs of birth control methods constitute a significant portion of average income. More than
55 million cisgender womenand an unknown number of
trans and non-binary peopledepend on birth control with no co-pay through the Affordable Care Act. The American Humanist Association will continue to advocate for the right to healthcare for all.
The American Humanist Association
The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of Humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of Humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
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