Act for Women and Girls - ACT For Women and Girls

Moments ago, the Obama Administration announced the final rule on student health insurance plans.


And it's very good news.

Starting in August, student health plans will have to cover contraception. Young women across the country are now one step closer to accessing birth control.

In the past few months, the attacks on birth control itself, and against the millions of women who use contraception, have been vicious. Thank you for standing strong - and for your resilient mobilization on this critical issue.

Even though a small yet vocal minority continues to try to deny women access to birth control, we're glad to hear that the Administration stood strong with young women across the country with this decision.

Please take a minute to thank President Obama and Secretary Sebelius! Send your note TODAY!

Our work isn't over yet. As many of you know firsthand, or from student advocates like Sandra Fluke, some religious-affiliated colleges have refused to allow their student health plans to cover contraception. Thankfully, that's about to change - the only question is how soon.

And that is where we need your help.

Universities that do not currently offer contraception coverage can apply for a waiver giving them until August 2013 to start offering birth control coverage. Sadly, during this unnecessary delay, young people will be the ones to pay the price. In the coming weeks, Advocates for Youth will partner with students at religious-affiliated colleges to help educate university administrators about the importance of this new ruling - and to encourage schools not to apply for this waiver. It's about time we all started putting student health before politics.

Thank President Obama and Secretary Sebelius now for standing with young women!

Today's decision is the direct result of the long, hard work of activists like you. From thousands of letters to the Obama administration to the overwhelming response to our recent "Birth Control Valentine" photo campaign, this is your victory.

We have a long way to go, but I'm honored to work alongside you each and every day.

Congratulations!

Deb Hauser
President
Advocates for Youth