Respect for Marriage Act Reduces Barriers to Cancer Care

• 

Press Releases
hero symbol

Today President Biden approved historic legislation that provides federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) supports The Respect Marriage Act, which requires the federal government to recognize the validity of a marriage between two individual, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origins, if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404/S. 4556) will help ensure that for all couples, marriage-related employment benefits, such as health insurance, are federally recognized. Being able to access affordable health care through a spouse can help reduce barriers to care - including cancer care. This act also helps combat health disparities and stigma, which have limited access to vital health care for the community Fight CRC represents.  

“The White House moonshot goal to ‘end cancer as we know it’ will not be possible until we ensure that all Americans have equal access to health care,” said Anjee Davis, Fight CRC President. “We applaud the passing of the Respect for Marriage Act and will continue to fight for equity for all those impacted by colorectal cancer.” 

When diagnosed with cancer, LGBTQ+ patients have reported more fear and stigma than other patients as a result of past negative experiences within the healthcare system and/or fear of discrimination from a provider. When medical teams provide inclusive services and cancer care for the LGBTQ+ community, they are able to better meet their patients’ needs. While there is still much work to be done, the Respect for Marriage Act represents an important step forward by ensuring that who you chose to marry does not impact your access to employment benefits - including health insurance. 

“On this day, Jill and I are thinking of the courageous couples and fiercely committed advocates who have fought for decades to secure nationwide marriage equality at the Supreme Court and in Congress,” said President Biden in his statement. 

Join us in Washington, D.C., at Call-on Congress, March 12–14, 2022, as we fight for more. Call-on Congress is an opportunity for advocates from across the country to share your stories and educate members of Congress on issues impacting you and the colorectal cancer community.