Measure Protects Contraceptive Discrimination

A state lawmaker is pushing a measure that he says protects users of contraceptives, from discrimination. Specifically, Michigan House Democrat Jim Ananich of Flint is calling for a hearing on his proposal that prevents employers from discriminating against employees who use contraceptives. The bill was introduced some time ago, but has not been put up for committee discussion by the Republican leadership. His push comes as the US Supreme court hears oral arguments in the case Sebelius v- Hobby Lobby Stores. The question in that case is whether for-profit companies have a right to exercise religious freedom even if its in conflict with federal statute. Ananich says his bill is in reaction to a bill considered recently in Arizona that allows employers to question women over whether their contraceptive use was to prevent pregnancy or for some other medical reason.