Issue Position: Women's Health

Issue Position

As the father of three daughters, I understand the unique, personal and sometimes difficult health decisions women have to make, particularly in the area of reproductive choice. That's why I don't believe government should be involved in a woman's reproductive health decisions. These medical decisions should be between a woman and her doctor. I do support abstinence education as a way to inform people and reduce unintended pregnancies.

A recent ruling by the Department of Health and Human Services requires, starting next year, most health insurance plans to cover the costs of preventative medical services for women. This includes contraceptive services without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or deductible. President Obama clarified this ruling to ensure certain non-profit religious employers, including hospitals and charities, will be able to choose whether or not to cover contraceptive services. This means a religious employer who does not wish to provide insurance coverage for contraceptive services due to their religious beliefs will not be required to do so directly.

This rule protects the choice of employers to cover these services based on their religious beliefs, while providing women with greater access to contraception.
I will continue to work to improve access to quality, affordable health care for everyone.

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