Blog Post

 by Pam Sutherland, Citizen Action/Illinois Board Member and Vice President Public Policy, Planned Parenthood of Illinois 

There’s been a lot in the news about the federal rule requiring birth control coverage in health insurance. This rule, which was recommended by the non-partisan and highly respected Institute of Medicine (IOM), requires health insurance to cover contraception with no deductible or co-pay. The original rule allowed religious entities, such as churches, to opt out of this coverage. The exemption was limited to entities that employ people of the faith and serve people of their faith. Religiously affiliated organizations, such as universities or hospitals, were not given an exemption because they employ and they serve people regardless of their religious affiliation.

The principles behind this rule have been established in federal and state laws. In fact, 28 states already have laws requiring contraception be covered by health insurance, and there is not any controversy about that. Because it is such basic health care, the EEOC has found that denying women contraceptive coverage constitutes sex discrimination. Moreover, the state laws that have limited exemptions for religious employers, but not religiously affiliated employers, have been tested and upheld in several courts. 

The reason that so many states and now federal health care reform include the requirement to cover birth control is because it is good medicine. The IOM considers birth control an essential part of women’s health care because it is fundamental to improving women’s health and the health of their families.  It saves lives, helps prevent unintended pregnancies, improves the outcomes for children, and reduces abortion. It also is used to treat medical conditions such as endometriosis. For these reasons, 99% of women who have had sex have used birth control. Even Catholic women have used birth control – 98%!

The bottom line is that all women should have access to contraception, have it without a co-pay, and have it no matter where they work. This birth control benefit increases access to preventive health care while respecting religious freedom.  Taking this benefit away would be devastating for millions of workers.

By Barbara Franklin, President, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans and Board Member, Citizen Action/Illinois

Today’s retirees want our economy to turn around. They worry about their children and grandchildren, and do not want a large debt to be the legacy they leave behind. Importantly though, they understand that there is a right and wrong way to do this.

By William McNary; Co-Director, Citizen Action/Illinois

In last night’s State of the Union Address, President Obama laid out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

The President believes this is a make or break moment for the middle class and those trying to reach it.  What’s at stake is the very survival of the basic American promise that if you work hard, you can do well enough to raise a family, own a home, and put a little away for retirement.

By William McNary, Co-Director Citizen Action/Illinois

Dr. King: Not Merely a Dreamer

It was almost a half a century ago that the momentous 1963 March on Washington took place. It was at this march where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his most famous and celebrated speech; one of the best speeches ever given in American history. As we reflect on and commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King this week, let us remember that he not only inspired us, but marched for his beliefs. He sat-in for his beliefs. In Alabama, he went to jail for his beliefs. In Chicago, he was hit in the head with a brick for his beliefs. And in Memphis on a hotel balcony, he was assassinated for his beliefs.

I’m merely pointing out that Dr. King was not just some idealistic dreamer; he fought to make his dreams a reality. He was a gallant fighter for civil rights and we all know that there would not be a Civil Rights Act or a Voting Rights Act without his leadership.