The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement from the White House is an affirmation of President Obama’s commitment to protecting women’s health and guaranteeing that all women, regardless of where they work or what they earn, will have access to affordable contraception coverage.
“President Obama clearly listened to the concerns of faith leaders, healthcare experts, religious organizations, and women’s health advocates and identified a solution that maintains a commitment to quality healthcare for all women, and respects their personal healthcare decisions, while also respecting religious freedom. Every American, regardless of their employer, will be treated the same under the healthcare law. As a union, we bring together women and men of all faiths and all walks of life, all united by the unshakeable belief in equality and respect for every person.
“Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has manipulated this situation to launch a further assault on women’s health and workers’ rights. A bill proposed by Rubio would not only deny birth control to the millions of women who work for religiously-affiliated organizations, but it would allow any employer to deny employees birth control coverage on the basis of the employer’s personal religious belief or moral conviction.
“Let me be clear: every American has the right to make personal healthcare decisions with his or her doctor and loved ones. Employers have no place in the doctor’s office. “
