Clear Majority of Americans Support Birth Control Rule

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NEW YORK – A new poll published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that seven in 10 Americans support an Obama administration rule requiring employers to provide health insurance coverage that includes contraception.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on a challenge to the rule by two for-profit companies seeking to deny contraception coverage to employees based on the business owner’s personal beliefs. The rule already includes exemptions for faith-based institutions.

“This poll shows that Americans support ensuring women’s access to birth control,” said Louise Melling, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. “They understand that employers should not have the right to discriminate against their employees by denying this care. Contrary to the claims of those challenging this rule, religious freedom doesn’t give anyone the right to impose their beliefs on others.”