Nevada Democrats criticize Supreme Court decision on birth control coverage

WASHINGTON — Nevada Democrats criticized the Supreme Court’s Monday ruling that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in the nation’s health care law.

The representatives suggested they would work in Congress to protect women’s access to health care.

“If the Supreme Court will not protect women’s access to health care, then Democrats will,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. “We will continue to fight to preserve women’s access to contraceptive coverage and keep bosses out of the examination room.”

Reid said the ruling jeopardizes women’s access to health services that “scientific evidence” has shown strengthens the health security of millions of women.

Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., said she was disappointed by the decision, calling it a step backwards for women’s health and equality.

“Employers should not be able to impose their religious beliefs on female employees, ignoring their individual health decisions and denying their right to reproductive care,” she said. “Bosses belong in the boardroom, not in the bedroom.”

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said the Supreme Court had advanced the interest of business owners ahead of women.

“These individual health decisions should not be made by Washington politicians or employers; these decisions should be left to women to make on their own with their doctor,” he said.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., and Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., did not provide comments on the decision.

Contact Peter Urban at purban@stephensmedia.com or at 202-783-1760.