Fronteras

The state legislature has approved a bill that would allow more employers to deny contraceptive coverage as part of their health benefits. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

MARK BRODIE: The original version of this measure would have allowed any employer to deny contraception. Current law only allows religious organizations to opt out of the state’s requirement to include it. The state senate defeated the proposal, but agreed Wednesday to a compromise. It would expand the types of employers that could deny contraceptive coverage, to include those whose articles of incorporation say they’re religiously motivated organizations, whose beliefs are “central to their operating principles.” Supporters say the bill would advance religious freedom, but critics say the new language is still too broad, and could deny women birth control. Under the bill, women who work for employers that deny the coverage could apply for re-imbursement for contraception from their insurance company, if they could show it was not to prevent pregnancy.