The Trump Administration today announced an interim final rule 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.”

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The California Medical Association represents the state’s physicians with more than 43,000 members in all modes of practice and specialties. CMA is dedicated to the health of all patients in California. For more information, please visit Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.