U.S. Senate votes to table Blunt amendment

The U.S. Senate today voted to table the Blunt amendment, which would have allowed employers and health insurance companies to refuse coverage for any health care service that they objected to on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions. The amendment would have created a huge loophole in our health care laws, and a vast array of groups spoke out against it.

The Task Force worked with the Coalition to Protect Women’s Health Care to fight the outrageous amendment. Its defeat sends a clear message that we are not willing to allow anyone’s health care to be used as a political tool by right-wing conservatives. The attack on birth control happening right now in this country has implications for all of us, and we believe in a person’s fundamental right to health care.

Statement by Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey:

The Blunt amendment ratcheted up the assault on women’s health care options to include pretty much everyone. The Senate thankfully had the good sense to reject this dangerous and unnecessary measure that would have jeopardized the health and well-being of all Americans, with LGBT people and their families being at particular risk of mistreatment. Lawmakers need to stop playing politics with the most personal facets of our lives and focus on creating jobs.