Women’s health organizations jumped into action on Friday after President Donald Trump rolled back parts of the mandate requiring employers to cover women’s birth control.
The mandate was a major part of the Affordable Care Act. Previously, employers could only be exempt if they were "closely held corporations," a decision reached after Hobby Lobby’s well-publicized court battle in 2014. The new rules allows any company - public, private, or nonprofit - to opt out for religious or moral objections.
Many women’s health organizations have also been fighting the 20-week abortion ban, which was passed by the House of Representatives this week. They switch gears on Friday morning, with many using the rallying hashtag #HandsOffMyBC. Some groups said they will fight the rule change in court.
Center for Reproductive Rights
This is an attack on the autonomy of 62.4MM women. We are prepared to fight these unconstitutional restrictions in court. #HandsOffMyBC https://t.co/bxCrMLgfL8
— CenterforReproRights (@ReproRights) October 6, 2017
Planned Parenthood
The birth-control benefit made contraception more affordable for more people — saving women $1.4B in just one year. https://t.co/1OO4Pg7lp7 pic.twitter.com/yWVQtssahO
— Planned Parenthood (@PPact) October 6, 2017
National Women’s Law Center
We will stand up to @realDonaldTrump & his bogus attacks on our health care — this administration is on notice to keep their #HandsOffMyBC pic.twitter.com/Y7nlnQpWvg
— NWLC (@nwlc) October 6, 2017
National Women's Health Network
From preventing pregnancies to cramps, birth control supports us every day. Tell us why you’ll stand w/ us in saying #HandsOffMyBC. pic.twitter.com/ONohgVoNCt
— NWHN (@TheNWHN) October 6, 2017
Human Rights Campaign
We all deserve to have the freedom to live and plan our lives with dignity. #HandsOffMyBC
— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) October 6, 2017
Physicians for Reproductive Health
Trump’s BC decision will leave 62.4M women vulnerable to the whim of their employers. #HandsOffMyBC pic.twitter.com/yayK4HN4Zg
— PRH (@prhdocs) October 6, 2017