Universal Access to Maternity Care

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) filed sex discrimination complaints against five institutions that exclude pregnancy coverage from the health insurance benefits provided to their employees’ dependent children. These complaints are believed to be the first to challenge dependent pregnancy coverage exclusions provided in the Affordable Care Act.

The ACA’s requires that plans provide comprehensive coverage to women, including full coverage for gynecological and maternity care, on the same terms as other benefits. Treating pregnancy differently has long been considered sex discrimination under civil rights statutes such as Title IX and Title VII.

ACOG strongly supports these efforts and has called for universal access to maternity care since 1971. Lend your support by letting your elected officials know your stance. 

http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml  Visit the NWLC website for information on the ACA’s nondiscrimination provision and their complaints filed against each institution.