DFL sees birth control access as wedge issue in House races

Minnesota House Democrats want to make access to birth control a campaign issue this fall.

DFL lawmakers on Wednesday proposed making it illegal for an employer to deny contraceptive coverage to employees if their health plan covers prescription drugs. Minnesota women, they argued, should have access to contraception no matter where they work.

The move follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing Hobby Lobby and other private companies to not cover contraception if the owners have religious objections. Many Republicans hailed the Hobby Lobby decision as a win for liberty and religious freedom.

House Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, said she plans to introduce a bill next year but wants the issue discussed before the November election.

"I do think that women's health care is an important issue for this election," Murphy said.

"I don't think we should go backwards to a time when women paid more for health care than men, for basic health care services, and when essentially being a woman constituted a pre-existing condition ... the Hobby Lobby decision opens up that possibility again."

All 134 House seats are on the ballot this fall.

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