LANSING- Proposals that would require employee health insurance to cover prescription contraceptives seem unlikely to pass the Senate, but advocates are elated that they even got a hearing.

"It's important to have a public hearing to start talking about this issue," said Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods.

The bills are before the Senate Health Policy Committee chaired by Beverly Hammerstrom, R-Temperance, a bill sponsor.

The other sponsor, Sen. Martha Scott, D-Highland Park, called the legislation "health care equity for women.

"In general, women pay more out-of-pocket health care costs than men," Scott said.

Several witnesses at the hearing who support the measure noted that most prescription drug plans include coverage for Viagra, a male erectile dysfunction drug.

"The fact that insurers rushed to cover a new drug, Viagra, to treat sexual dysfunction, and yet continue to exclude contraceptives smacks of a double standard," said Susan Hendrix of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

But Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, said that Viagra is different. "Viagra covers a physical malady."

The bills face powerful opposition from religion-affiliated employers and insurance groups.

For example, the Michigan Catholic Conference called the bills a "direct assault upon the religious freedom rights of religious employers" and said that the legislation would encourage Catholic employers to drop all prescription drug coverage.

"As a matter of justice, Catholic institutions consider it a religious duty to provide such coverage," said Paul Long, the MCC's vice president for public policy. "How is the health and welfare of employees better off if there is no prescription drug coverage?"

Hammerstom said she might consider adding a religious exemption to address the church's concern.

But that won't appease health insurers, who also oppose the bill.

"The decision on the type of coverage should be left to the provider of the coverage," said Mark Cook, vice president of governmental affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who warned that premiums could increase.

But advocates remain optimistic that public pressure may tip the scales in favor of the change.

"People who feel we should have contraceptive legislation need to call their legislators," said Sen. Jacobs. "If there's enough of a public outcry, maybe we will be able to get a vote."