U.S. Sen. Mark Udall is co-sponsoring a bill that would override the Supreme Court’s decision last week in the Hobby Lobby case.
The bill, which is being drafted and would have little chance of becoming law in the current Congress, would ban employers from refusing to provide any health coverage, including contraceptives, guaranteed under the federal Affordable Care Act.
Udall is co-sponsoring the bill with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Udall and Murray are asking Senate leadership to expedite the bill, said Mike Saccone, Udall’s spokesman. If the Senate passes the bill, it would face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House.
In a statement, Udall said, “The U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision opened the door to unprecedented corporate intrusion into our private lives. Coloradans understand that women should never have to ask their bosses for a permission slip to access common forms of birth control or other critical health services. My common-sense proposal will keep women’s private health decisions out of our corporate board rooms because your boss shouldn’t be able to dictate what is best for you and your family.”
Udall is facing a fierce challenge from U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, and the outcome could determine which party controls the Senate next year.
Women’s rights have become a big issue in the race as Democrats are hoping single women will carry them to victory in November.
Already, Udall has aired commercials that are critical of Gardner’s views on birth control and women’s reproductive rights.
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that closely held corporations did not have to provide coverage under the new federal health care laws if doing so would violate the owner’s religious beliefs. The case was filed by Hobby Lobby, whose owners specifically objected to the requirement that companies provide coverage for emergency contraceptives.
Udall has been critical of the Supreme Court’s decision since it was issued.
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ Noelle_Phillips
