Priests for Life v. Department of Health and Human Services

Questions presented

SCOTUS records, cert granted 6 Nov 2015

The contraceptive services mandate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires Petitioner Priests for Life, a non-exempt religious employer, and its directors to affirmatively authorize and facilitate coverage for contraception, sterilization, abortifacients, and related education and counseling for the participants and beneficiaries of Priests for Life's healthcare plan in direct violation of Petitioners' sincerely held religious beliefs. The question presented is whether the contraceptive services mandate of the Affordable Care Act as applied to non-exempt, nonprofit religious organizations violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000bb, et seq.

Opinion summary

Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion

The case involved a challenge by Priests for Life and other religious organizations against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the contraceptive mandate under the Affordable Care Act. The plaintiffs argued that even filling out a form to opt-out of providing contraceptive coverage violated their religious beliefs, as it indirectly facilitated access to contraception through third parties. They claimed this requirement imposed a substantial burden on their exercise of religion in violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The D.C. Circuit Court ruled against Priests for Life, holding that the accommodation did not impose such a burden because it merely required them to notify HHS or their insurer about their objection, which then shifted responsibility away from them without directly involving them in providing contraception.