State Supreme Court to Review Catholic Charity’s Suit Against Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

The California Supreme Court yesterday agreed to review an appeals court ruling that requires a Catholic charity to include contraceptive coverage in its health plans that cover prescription drugs, the Los Angeles Times reports. Catholic Charities of Sacramento filed a lawsuit last year arguing that the 1999 state law mandating contraception coverage should be "set aside as a violation of religious freedom." But the 3rd District Court of Appeals ruled in July that the law was "enacted to eliminate discriminatory insurance practices that had undermined the health and economic well-being of women" and "does not advance or inhibit religion" (Los Angeles Times, 9/27). The appellate court said the decision would not constrain Catholic Charities from informing employees and the public that it opposes contraceptives. But Catholic Charities said the ruling would force it "to act in direct contradiction of its religious, moral and ethical beliefs and any people of faith should be deeply disturbed" (Kravets, AP/Contra Costa Times, 9/26).