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Contraception Commotion

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.
Laura is well known in New Hampshire for her in-depth coverage of important issues and is widely regarded for her interviews with presidential hopefuls. Laura is a graduate of Keene High School in New Hampshire. Prior to hosting The Exchange, Laura worked in public radio in Washington, D.C. as a local reporter and announcer for WAMU and as a newscaster for NPR. Before her radio career, she was a researcher for USA Today's "Money" section, and a research assistant at the Institute for International Economics. Laura occasionally guest hosts national programs such as The Diane Rehm Show and Here and Now. In 2007 Laura was named New Hampshire Broadcaster of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters.

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