Religious Groups Mull Next Legal Step Challenging Health Law’s Birth Control Provisions
Faith-based groups may take their case directly to the Supreme Court after a three-judge panel on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled earlier this week that certain birth-control mandates in the Affordable Care Act do not place a "substantial burden" on religious institutions such as universities and charities.
The Associated Press:
Religious Groups May Appeal Birth Control Mandate Ruling
A group of religious institutions is considering an appeal of a federal court ruling this week that found certain birth-control provisions of the Affordable Care Act don't violate the religious rights of faith-based groups. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans delivered its ruling Monday, which was a consolidation of several cases brought by Texas-based religious institutions, including universities and charities, and a Pennsylvania seminary. (6/24)
News outlets report on a series of abortion-related developments, including how telemedicine could impact the debate, the continued legal wrangling over Kansas's first-in-the-nation ban on a common second-trimester termination method and the imminent implementation of abortion restrictions in Texas -- unless the Supreme Court steps in -
Minnesota Public Radio:
What Are The Implications Of Abortion Via Telemedicine Passing Court Muster?
If your health insurance is covered by UnitedHealthcare, you may soon opt to connect with a doctor virtually, without leaving your house. The nation's largest health insurer announced in April that it's expanding coverage for video-based doctors visits. (6/24)
The Associated Press:
Kansas Judge Weighs Nation's 1st Ban On Abortion Method
An abortion rights group will ask a Kansas judge Thursday to block the state's first-in-the-nation ban on what it says is the most common method for terminating second-trimester pregnancies, contending that the new law would force some women to either accept higher medical risks or forgo abortions. (6/25)
NPR:
Texas Abortion Curbs Go Into Effect Soon, Unless Supreme Court Acts
At the hands of the Texas Legislature, the last four years have been long for supporters of abortion rights. The next blow lands on July 1, when a new law will go into effect in Texas and drastically reduce access to abortion services — likely leaving just nine clinics that perform abortions open in the entire state. The controversial law, passed in 2013, requires clinics to meet tougher building standards and doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. (Goodwiyn, 6/24)
