On July 16, the Senate rejected, by a vote of 56-43, a motion to end debate on the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014 (S. 2578) and bring the bill to a floor vote. The procedural vote, also known as cloture, requires at least 60 votes for passage.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), contains several findings, including “[a]ccess to the full range of health benefits and preventive services, as guaranteed under federal law or through federal regulations, provides all Americans with the opportunity to lead healthier and more productive lives,” and “[n]inety-nine percent of sexually active women use birth control at least once in their lifetime.”
The legislation would prevent employers that establish or maintain a group health plan for their employees from denying coverage of a specific health care item or service for their employees and covered dependents, including contraceptive coverage, regardless of other federal laws – including the Religious Freedom Restoration Action (P.L. 103-141).
