[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H6356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NOT MY BOSS' BUSINESS ACT
(Mr. BERA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, last month's Supreme Court decision in the
Hobby Lobby case is a serious step backwards for women's health. It
sets a dangerous precedent where bosses are in control of their
employees' health care decisions. And it worries me.
As a doctor, I know that in order for a woman to make the best
decision, she needs to sit down and have a conversation with her
physician. It is important that we have all options available.
Long-term contraceptive methods like IUDs are often the safest option
and up to 20 times more effective than the birth control pill, but
upfront costs can make it difficult for some women, particularly low-
income women, to afford these methods. Prescription birth control can
often cost up to $600 a year, and if women can't afford it, they are
more likely to use it in an inconsistent manner.
That is why I am proud to support the not my boss' business act,
which ensures that employers can't pick and choose what health services
a woman can receive. Health care decisions should be made between a
patient and a doctor, not her boss.
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