Religious Employers Denying Insurance For Women

Many women aren't concerned about the stresses that come from buying prescription contraceptives because their insurance typically covers it, but not all get that opportunity. Many religious employers provide an insurance that doesn’t cover a no-copay birth control that is required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Specific houses of worship are exempt from the Affordable Care Act but there is still ongoing controversy with religious nonprofits and private business owners. Obtaining the pill is a process for women between finding a doctor, getting a prescription, and getting it filed through insurance. There shouldn’t be an individual standing in the way of a women getting a prescription a doctor has approved, especially if it can be free of charge due to the ACA.

Birth control is nearly universal and benefits the health of many women and their families. Without this being covered by insurance prices can range from $15-$50 per month and could inevitably pose a problem for some women financially. By excluding this preventative health care it inhibits some women from being able to take the precautionary measures they desire. Without this opportunity for women the risk for maternal and infant mortality increases.

This isn’t as easy as going down the aisle of your local convenient store to buy necessary contraceptives, but an extra step women are going to ensure there are no unwanted pregnancies. Without this extra contraceptive readily available without charge, many women are discouraged from using it or simply can’t afford the co-pay that is needed.

Employers that refuse to allow insurance to cover this contraceptive are clearly using their power to stand by their own personal beliefs. Business and the insurance of their employees shouldn’t be denied due to an individual’s personal affairs. Making a decision on covering contraceptives based on a person’s own religion isn’t fair or ethical.