Judge Blocks New Birth Control Rules In 13 States

Woman holding contraceptive pills

A federal judge in California has blocked new rules implemented by the Trump administration that made it easier for companies to refuse to offer no-cost coverage for birth control. The ruling only impacts 13 states as Judge Haywood Gilliam denied the request for a nationwide injunction. 

The new rules would allow "a narrow class of sincere religious and moral objectors" to opt-out of providing their employees with insurance plans that provide no-cost contraceptive coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, companies are required to offer insurance plans that cover the cost of contraceptives. 

The plaintiffs argued that the new rules would result in more unintended pregnancies and cause a strain on their budgets due to an increased number of women who would be forced to rely on government programs to help pay for their birth control. 

The ruling affects California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content