The Supreme Court stands in Washington D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (Credit: Stefani Reynolds / CNP/Sipa USA)
DC: Supreme Court Exterior
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has upheld Trump administration rules allowing some employers to refuse to provide free contraceptive coverage on religious grounds.
The high court on Wednesday said the Trump administration acted properly when it allowed more employers who cite a religious or moral objection to opt out of covering birth control. The Obama-era health law said most employers must cover birth control as a preventive service, at no charge to women, in their insurance plans.
Birth control is a medical necessity. It helps us plan the lives we want, allowing us to choose if and when to have children. It's also used to treat things like endometriosis, migraines, pre-menstrual pain, and menstrual regulation.
This ruling threatens basic health care.
— Planned Parenthood (@PPFA) July 8, 2020
The government had estimated that the Trump administration rule changes would cause about 70,000 women, and at most 126,000 women, to lose contraception coverage in one year.
