Last week the New Hampshire House voted to allow employers to exclude contraceptive coverage from health insurance plans on the basis of religious objections – reversing a 12-year-old law requiring insurers that offer prescription coverage to include contraceptives. Supporters say the bill protects religious freedom because it allows groups with religious objections to birth control to avoid providing this coverage to employees. Opponents say it interferes with the relationship between a woman and her doctor. The bill was inspired by the national debate over contraception, set into motion by the Obama Administration’s controversial birth control mandate. In response to outcry over the mandate, President Obama proposed changes to the plan, but opponents, including Catholic bishops, have not been mollified.
Guests:
- J. Scott Moody, Vice President of Policy at Cornerstone Action Research.
- Rep. Cindy Rosenwald, Democratic Representative from Nashua.
We're also joined by
- Jennifer Frizzell, New Hampshire Senior Policy Advisor for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.
- Meredith Cook, Esq., Director of the Office of Public Policy for the Diocese of Manchester.