Last week I attended a rally for the recently formed Women’s Equality Party. I stood on the steps of the New York State Supreme Court in Mineola with more than 100 women and men who came together to stand for women’s rights.
I am concerned with the recent Federal Supreme Court ruling, known as the Hobby Lobby decision, allowing corporations the ability to deny health coverage for contraception if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.
How outrageous and shortsighted!
Oral contraception is used for all kinds of health-care reasons that have nothing to do with sexual activity or birth control.
Many girls are plagued with painful, irregular menstrual cycles that result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. These symptoms result in absences from school for otherwise healthy girls.
Oral contraception alleviates these symptoms. Oral contraception is also used effectively to manage acne, and it’s a safer choice than other treatments that have dangerous side effects.
Additionally, there are many families who use birth control pills to manage family planning.
Can you imagine the many couples that will be affected by their employers denying coverage for birth control?
In short, I want government to stay out of my family’s healthcare decisions. The only way to ensure this is to vote for candidates who truly respect women’s rights. On Nov. 4, I’m voting Adam Haber into office, to be my New York state senator for District 7.
I strongly suggest you do the same.
Leslie Lewit-Milner
Roslyn Heights
