Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh Introduce Legislation To Overturn Hobby Lobby Decision

Last week Senators Tester and Walsh introduced the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act to prevent employers from making healthcare decisions for their employees, overturning the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling and ensuring that women are free to access private medical care.

Senator Walsh

“No boss should have a say in the healthcare employees receive,” Walsh said.  “Every woman and family should have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, free from interference of their place of employment. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that puts freedom at risk.”

Senator Tester

“Thanks to the Supreme Court, a nameless, faceless corporation can stand between a woman and her basic health care needs,” Tester said.  “A woman’s health care decisions should be made in private in consultation with her doctor.  This bill tells the Supreme Court that the American people stand with women and the individual freedoms every citizen should enjoy.”

Planned Parenthood of Montana and NARAL Pro Choice of Montana both praised Tester and Walsh’s leadership on the issue.

This bill will ensure that employers cannot interfere in their employee’s decisions about contraception and other health services.  The bill bans employers from refusing to cover any health coverage – including contraceptive coverage -- guaranteed to their employees and dependents under federal law.