Arizona state Senate changes bill on contraception
Mar 28, 2012, 5:59 PM
Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) – A bill that would allow more Arizona employers to drop health plan coverage for birth control has been changed ahead of a key state Senate vote.
Supporters say the changes provide reassurances that a woman wouldn’t have to explain to her employer whether she wants contraception for birth control or for other medical reasons.
The changes are a response criticism that the proposal could force women to divulge private health matters, an interpretation that supporters of the bill dispute.
Under the bill now awaiting a Senate vote Wednesday, employers could cite religious and other moral objections and be allowed to drop contraception coverage for birth control.
Arizona now allows only religious nonprofits to opt out of the state law requiring coverage of contraceptives.
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