7 states challenge birth control coverage rule

Birth Control Pills / iStockphoto

LINCOLN, Neb. - Seven states are asking a federal judge to block an Obama administration mandate that requires birth control coverage for employees of religious-affiliated hospitals, schools and outreach programs.

The lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Nebraska alleges that the new rule violates the First Amendment rights of groups that object to the use of contraceptives.

The rule, announced as part of the federal health care law, has come under fire from religious groups that object to the use of birth control. In response to the criticism, Obama administration officials have said they will shift the requirement from the employers to health insurers themselves.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning says the proposed change still fails to address their concerns.

Joining the lawsuit are Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.

[Chinckley6]

Separation of religion and state. Period. They don't have to take birth control, nor do they have to force it upon their patients. I don't understand why this has become such a big issue.

[rainbowroosie]

This is a constitutional issue, plain and simple. Funny how liberals forget the Bill of Rights when they are not using it in court....

[HenryPEngel]

People should never forget that real health depends how well you take care of yourself and not what health insurance you carry but I agree health insurance is important for every one. Search "Penny~`~Health" or online for dollar a day insurance plans.

[KPeters_from_UK]

So Ocean,
What about the 58% who use contraceptives not for birth control but for other medical reasons?

I am so tired of asking this damn simple question and yet not one frickin' Right winger has bothered to answer. All they are concerned about is loose women not the health of women. So then tell me why is it important to supply Viagra to men so they can have all the sex they want but Oh My God!... women better keep their legs together.

[sirmarion-2009]

Amazing this issue keeps comming up,How stupid does this have to get,no one forces anyone to use birth control. Although after seeing some of the blogs and reading some of the voters responses,it is getting harder and harder to argue against a forced sterilization policy for those who can not afford children.

[starving1968-3]

by Oceanliner February 24, 2012 4:58 AM EST
If women want to use contraceptives then women should have to pay for them.






And if they get breast cancer, should they have to pay for that too, since "being a woman" is their "fault"?

[vsmit]

Odd how some people have no problem with forcing Obamacare down our throats against our wishes, but when it comes to birth control, suddenly they exert their "freedom" (catholic church as an example).

Decide which one you want, one size fits all government control or the right to choose. This is NOT burger king.

[starving1968-3]

I agree. For the life of me i can't figure out how or why the republicans pretend to care about personal freedom or liberty, while trampling ALL OVER women's rights, and TELL THEM which medical procedures / treatments / drugs they can have and which they can't.

What do they think this is: medieval Europe?

[mjbrin]

why are the republican women allowing this?!
i thought that they were more educated now?

[mjbrin]

you know i am just wondering, how come so many catholic families only have one or two children. or for that matter stopped at four?

[mjbrin]

listen, i pay taxes too and i say contraceptives should be covered, i used them for medical reasons and i resent anyone implying that women aren't informed enough to understand all the benefits of contraceptives
Women speak up and contact your senators and representatives. we are tax payers too!