Schakowsky Statement on Federal Judge's Decision Invalidating Parts of the ACA

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement condemning a federal judge in Texas' ruling that an Affordable Care Act provision requiring employers to provide coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication violates the religious rights of employers:

"Yesterday's ruling out of Texas is a disgrace. On the heels of the devastating Dobbs decision overturning the right to abortion, extremist judges and Republicans continue to attack vital healthcare services.

"The lawsuit and the ruling are homophobic and are an attack on the health and wellness of people living with HIV/AIDS and individuals who seek protection from the virus. If this ruling is upheld, it would severely impact all progress made in the nationwide plan to end the HIV epidemic. This dangerous decision contributes to already existing public health crises and puts all preventive services at risk. Now, services including birth control, vaccinations, and routine health screenings are on the line.

"All Americans deserve access to quality, comprehensive care. That includes lifesaving prescriptions and services they need to survive. But for some reason, in the last two months, every single one of my Republican colleagues in Congress voted against lowering prescription drug costs and nearly all of them voted against protecting Americans' right to sexual and reproductive health and bodily autonomy. People are angry and we need action. I am proud to support measures in Congress that protect bodily autonomy and preventive health services. I will continue working hard every day to make sure that all people get the care they need."

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