Supreme Court rules employers can refuse to pay for birth control over religious, moral concerns

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that employers can refuse to pay for birth control as part of health insurance plans if they have stated a religious or moral objection.

News 12 Staff

Jul 8, 2020, 7:20 PM

Updated 1,479 days ago

Share:

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that employers can refuse to pay for birth control as part of health insurance plans if they have stated a religious or moral objection.
But the ruling might not mean much in Connecticut since state law requires health insurance to cover birth control.
"I thought this was settled law," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "I thought the right to contraception, I thought the right to choose -- I'm old -- I thought this went back to when I was a kid."
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he doesn't believe the ruling invalidates state law, but it may lead businesses to challenge that law.
In Congress, there is already talk of changing the language in the Affordable Care Act to specifically require contraception coverage. Sen. Richard Blumenthal also said he will work with colleagues to override the Trump administration's exemptions.
In the meantime, Connecticut's Planned Parenthood offers free contraception -- even by phone.
"It's a little bit like a FaceTime call," said Brittany Fonteno, of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. "You have your phone or your computer and you go someplace private in your house, and you see the same trusted providers that we have in our health centers."
Churches were already exempt from covering birth control, but Wednesday's ruling widens that out to any business with a moral objection.
News 12 reached out to the Connecticut Catholic Conference, which said, "For now, we will let the decision speak for itself."
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany called the ruling a "big win for religious freedom and freedom of conscience."


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park