WHEREAS:

In December 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held that the failure to provide comprehensive contraceptive coverage is illegal sex discrimination. Employers must cover contraceptives on the same terms that they cover other drugs, devices and preventive care for employees. The force of this decision was strengthened when the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington followed the EEOC's lead and issued a similar decision; and

WHEREAS:

Contraceptives are the most frequently used prescription by women for over thirty years of their lives. The lack of this coverage under most insurance plans causes women to pay 68 percent more than men in out-of-pocket health care costs; and

WHEREAS:

This inequity directly affects many AFSCME members — 53 percent of AFSCME members are women, and over half are of childbearing age. More than half of insurance plans don't cover contraceptives, even when they cover other prescription drugs; and

WHEREAS:

The costs of adding contraceptive benefits to a health plan are very low. One study estimated the cost to be less than $2 per month, per enrollee. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the federal government added contraceptive coverage at no increased cost.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME reaffirm its commitment to contraceptive equity and work with affiliates seeking collective bargaining provisions or other initiatives to secure contraceptive coverage for our members and dependents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME make it a priority to work toward enactment of a federal law that codifies the EEOC and U.S. District Court rulings, making coverage for contraceptives available under health care plans to the same extent that the plans cover other drugs, devices and preventive care for employees.

SUBMITTED BY:

George Popyack, Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 57
California

ADOPTED BY IEB