CT Treasurer Comments On Court Decision About Reproductive Health

Press release from the Office of Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden:

July 8, 2020

STATEMENT OF TREASURER SHAWN WOODEN ON SUPREME COURT DECISION

Hartford, CT - Today, Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling that employers may be exempt from the Affordable Care Act mandate to provide birth control to employees on the basis of religious or moral values:

“I come from a long history of African-Americans, and we know what it’s like for the highest court in the land to uphold discrimination and to not see justice. This is discrimination against tens of thousands of women and others who menstruate, and regardless of faith, race, income, gender identity, or place of work, reproductive healthcare should be extended to everyone, not just those who can afford such services.

“Not only is this wrong, but it is also terrible for our economy. Studies have shown access to reproductive healthcare allows individuals to have better educational outcomes in higher education and more opportunities for upward economic mobility. Our country should support economic growth and stability, not try so desperately to take it away from hundreds of thousands Americans.

“The Trump administration continues to derail the historic progress that we have made, and this is just another nail in the coffin. But, this is not the end, and I have hope. This is another stop on the journey towards equity and justice for all. All of us, here in Connecticut, and across this nation, will continue to fight.”

This press release was produced by the Office of Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden. The views expressed here are the author's own.