Religious Groups May Opt Out Of Birth Control Coverage

The Obama Administration announces a broader exemption to the birth control requirement

The Obama Administration announced Friday that religiously affiliated groups, such as church-affiliated universities and charities, are not required to cover birth control under the new health care law. Initially, the new regulation required most employers to provide health insurance that includes contraception, including sterilization, as a free service. Religious groups which primarily employ and serve people of their own faith—such as churches—were already exempt.

Roman Catholic bishops, evangelicals and some religious leaders who have generally been supportive of President Barack Obama lobbied for a broader exemption. There have been more than 40 lawsuits filed by religious nonprofits and secular for-profit businesses claiming the mandate violates their religious beliefs. The new mandate is subject to a 60-day public comment period and takes effect in August. (Boston Globe)

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