FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 16, 2016
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-293-3114 ext. 207

Supreme Court Punts on Contraceptive Coverage 

Statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA)

WASHINGTON, DC –   “The Supreme Court announced today that it would send Zubik v. Burwell, the consolidated challenge to the accommodation to the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage requirement, back to the appellate courts. Instead of ruling on the merits of the case, the Court left the issue unresolved nationally and open to continued litigation, despite the fact that eight out of nine appellate courts have already ruled to uphold the accommodation. We are disappointed that the Court today missed its opportunity to protect women’s access to essential contraceptive coverage once and for all.

“When it comes to matters related to family planning and sexual health care, women depend on timely, affordable, and seamless access to high-quality care to stay healthy. Women don’t need additional obstacles or uncertainty; they need assurance that contraceptive coverage is available to them when they want and need it.

“The Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage requirement was a major public health achievement. Since its enactment, more than 55 million women across the country have gained access to contraceptive care without cost-sharing. On behalf of publicly funded family planning providers across the country, NFPRHA will continue its full support of the requirement so that all women, regardless of where they work or go to school, have access to the care they need.”

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NFPRHA is a membership organization representing providers and administrators committed to helping people get the family planning education and care they need to make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones. NFPRHA works to enhance the ability of thousands of nurse practitioners, doctors, and other health professionals to provide high-quality family planning care through training and advocacy. For more information, visit nationalfamilyplanning.org.