Debbie Wasserman Schultz Goes After Hobby Lobby Decision

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), offered her take on the Hobby Lobby decision after the Supreme Court ruled that business owners can object for religious reasons to being forced to cover birth control due to President Barack Obamas federal health-care law.

I am disappointed and deeply concerned by the Supreme Courts decision today in the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Wasserman Schultz said on Monday after the 5-4 decision was announced. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans have gained access to preventive services without out-of-pocket costs, including birth control. However, this decision takes money out of the pockets of women and their families and allows for-profit employers to deny access to certain health care benefits based on their personal beliefs. Nearly 60 percent of women who use birth control do so for more than just family planning.

It is no surprise that Republicans have sided against women on this issue as they have consistently opposed a womans right to make her own health care decisions, Wasserman Schultz added. Republicans have also blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would bring us closer to the promise of equal pay for women. In the wake of this dangerous precedent set by the Supreme Court, Democrats in Congress will continue to fight on the issues of importance to women and their families.