MI SR0172

Calls on Congress to enact legislation prohibiting for-profit employers from using religious beliefs to deny employees coverage for contraception or other federally-required health services.

Responds to the U.S. Supreme Court's Burwell v. Hobby Lobby decision, which allowed closely-held for-profit corporations to refuse contraception coverage based on religious objections under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

States that 99% of sexually active women use birth control at least once in their lifetimes and that approximately 650 women die annually in the U.S. from pregnancy-related complications.

Asserts that employer-based restrictions on contraception coverage constitute discrimination against women and negatively impact educational achievement, workplace competition, and career success.

References the Protect Women's Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014 (H.R. 5051 and S. 2578) as model legislation and directs copies be sent to the President of the Senate, House Speaker, and Michigan's congressional delegation.