The Trump administration plans to issue new regulations that could allow any employer to refuse to cover birth control in their employees’ health care plans by citing religious or moral objections.

Richard B. Katskee, legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, responded:

“Religious freedom is a fundamental value, but it doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against others or make medical decisions for them. Access to safe and affordable birth control is critical to women’s health and equality. Using religion as an excuse to jeopardize women's access to basic health care is discrimination, plain and simple. If the rule is made final, we will fight it at every turn.”

Tomorrow, Americans United will have the first opportunity to object to the Trump administration’s plan in court. AU represents students in University of Notre Dame v. Price, the only women at risk of losing coverage who are parties to the ongoing lawsuits filed in response to the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage requirement.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered status updates to be filed tomorrow by the involved parties, and AU will tell the court that the leaked regulations could harm our clients, putting their access to essential health care at risk.