A federal appeals court has rejected the University of Notre Dame's request for a preliminary injunction that would exempt it from a law requiring its health insurance providers to cover contraceptives costs for students and employees.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago decided in a 2-1 ruling Tuesday that an accommodation by the Obama administration provides “no suggestion” that Notre Dame is involved in the contraception coverage of its health care providers. Catholic doctrine bars most forms of contraception.
The ruling states that although Notre Dame is the final arbiter of its religious beliefs, it is up to courts to determine whether the law forces Notre Dame to violate those beliefs.
University spokesman Paul Browne said the school is reviewing the opinion and weighing its options.
