Concerned Clergy for Choice heralds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to include prescription contraception in a list of women’s preventive health care services that will become available without an insurance co-pay. However, the clergy network is disappointed over a proposed religious exemption. 

“This ruling is a mixed blessing,” said Rabbi Dennis S. Ross, director of Concerned Clergy for Choice, a multi-faith network of religious leaders. “On the one hand, we are delighted that contraception, annual exams, as well as lifesaving cancer, diabetes and domestic violence screenings are now available without co-pays. On the other hand, many clergy are distressed that HHS is considering proposals that would limit these protections for women working for religious organizations that reject contraception.”

Rabbi Ross added, “Religious organizations employ people of all faiths, and women of all faiths use contraception. It’s just not fair for an employer to tell a woman, ‘You have to pay extra for your health care just because you don’t share in our beliefs.’”