(nevada) Bills would ban religion exception to birth control coverage

[Heddi]

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2017/03/05/bills-ban-religion-exception-birth-control-coverage/

CARSON CITY - Democratic lawmakers are proposing Nevada mandate that all health insurance plans cover birth control regardless of religious objections to contraceptives by family-owned businesses - an exemption recently validated by the nation’s highest court.
Two bills introduced in the Legislature would delete state laws that allow employers to exclude birth control pills and devices from their insurance plans if they oppose those treatments on religious grounds. Doing so would force all insurers to cover contraceptives, legislative analysts say.

“My goal is to make sure that as many women as possible have access to the health services that they need,” Ratti said.
Nevada would join five other states in allowing doctors to prescribe 12-month supplies of birth control under Senate Bill 233 and Assembly Bill 249. And both bills would require health insurance to cover voluntary sterilization procedures - vasectomies for men and tubal ligation for women.
Additionally, Ratti’s bill would make insurance, including Medicaid, cover prenatal tests; screenings for diabetes, blood pressure abnormalities and depression; all federally recommended vaccinations; and counseling for breastfeeding, domestic violence and sexually transmitted diseases.

..
Other bills up for consideration this week include a plan for the state to solicit donations and federal grants to help low-income Nevadans access birth control, STD and pregnancy testing and information on preparing for a baby. The state would distribute that money to local governments or nonprofit organizations like Planned Parenthood to fund contraception and other “family planning” services.
Sen. Yvanna Cancela, D-Las Vegas, will present Senate Bill 122 at a hearing Wednesday.

[Lordquinton]

1. Some good news for once

Hope this makes it through, not holding my breath.