Birth control benefit upheld.(The Week in Healthcare)

Modern Healthcare, March, 2004

Byline: Laura B. Benko

Roman Catholic hospitals in California were dealt a legal and philosophical blow last week when the state's high court upheld the constitutionality of a law requiring employers to cover birth control as part of their pharmacy benefits.

In a 6-1 decision, the California Supreme Court ruled against Catholic Charities, which had challenged the 4-year-old law on the grounds that it violates the religious freedom of church-affiliated organizations, such as charities and hospitals, by forcing them to endorse a practice they believe is sinful.

While the ruling may not prompt radical changes at the state's 61 Catholic hospitals-most already cover contraceptives in one way or another-it sets a "disturbing'' precedent for...

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