California Physicians Condemn Changes to Affordable Care Act Birth Control Mandate

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 6 -- The California Medical Association issued the following news release:

The Trump Administration today announced guidance that permits employers and insurers to claim a religious exemption to the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) "Birth Control Mandate." The California Medical Association (CMA), representing over 43,000 physicians in all specialties and modes of practice, issued the following statement, condemning this policy change on the grounds that it undermines the availability of preventative health care for California women.

"Access to contraception is a basic preventative health care service that millions of Californians rely on," said CMA President Ruth Haskins, M.D. "The Trump Administration's decision puts the personal beliefs of employers and insurance companies above the fundamental right of women to make medical decisions aabout their own health and their future."

CMA policy supports access, without copays, to all FDA approved contraception as a basic preventative health service.

"CMA strongly believes that medical decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their health care providers. This ensures that these decisions are made in the patient's best interest," said Dr. Haskins. "In addition to limiting the health options available to women, this policy would have an overall negative impact on public health in California."