Kaine Statement On Hobby Lobby, Conestoga Wood Cases Before Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement today as oral arguments began at the Supreme Court in the cases of Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Store, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius:

“The issue before the Supreme Court today is whether requiring for-profit companies to provide access to contraception coverage for employees is unconstitutional. I do not believe it is, and I hope the Supreme Court rules in favor of a woman’s right to make her own health care choices, rather than making this the decision of a for-profit company’s leadership. This is not just a women’s issue, it’s a family and an economic issue. Corporate leadership just shouldn’t be making these decisions.

“Expanded access to all preventive medical services for women, including contraception coverage, is a key benefit of the Affordable Care Act and has already benefitted more than 700,000 women in Virginia. The Obama administration has also provided an accommodation that balances the goal of providing women with coverage for recommended preventive care while respecting the concerns of churches and other non-profit religious organizations.”

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