The University is again challenging a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that requires Notre Dame’s insurance plan to cover contraceptives, according to a report in The South Bend Tribune.
Notre Dame is asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to grant the University an exemption to the mandate, which is part of the Affordable Care Act, in light of a recent Supreme Court decision, the Tribune reported. The Supreme Court ruled Jan. 24 that the nonprofit organization Little Sisters of the Poor and other similar religious groups do not have to cover contraceptives until the Sisters’ lawsuit is resolved.
“There is no legitimate basis upon which an injunction could be granted to the Little Sisters of the Poor but denied to Notre Dame,” the University said in its motion, according to the Tribune.
A federal appellate judge in Chicago will hear oral arguments in Notre Dame’s case Feb. 12, the Tribune reported.
“If government is allowed to entangle a religious institution of higher education like Notre Dame in one area contrary to conscience, it's given license to do so in others,” Paul Browne, vice president for Public Affairs and Communications, said.
