« YOU did it! | Main | Planned Parenthood Aurora clinic will open today! »
October 1, 2007
SCOTUS won't hear birth control case
The Supreme Court has declined to hear a case about whether religious organizations can be forced to pay for workers' birth-control health insurance benefits.
The court let stand a New York court ruling upholding a state law that forces religious-based social service agencies to subsidize contraceptives as part of prescription drug coverage they offer employees.New York is one of 23 states that require employers that offer prescription benefits to employees to cover birth control pills as well, the groups say. The state enacted the Women's Health and Wellness Act in 2002 to require health plans to cover contraception and other services aimed at women, including mammography, cervical cancer screenings and bone density exams.
Catholic Charities and other religious groups argued New York's law violates their First Amendment right to practice their religion because it forces them to violate religious teachings that regard contraception as sinful.
Charming. NARAL Pro-Choice New York was understandably pleased. Organization president Kelli Conlin said, “Again, the Court has shown that women have a right to access reproductive health care services under their employer health plans. This law ensures that women will be able to afford the vital care the need to make healthy decisions."
Posted by Jessica at October 1, 2007 12:01 PM
Comments
Just curious as to whether they pay for prescription Viagara, Levitra and Cialis.
Posted by: MsJoanne at October 1, 2007 1:29 PM