Supreme Court: Can't Make Employers Cover Contraception
WASHINGTON (KDKA/AP) - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that some corporations can hold religious objections that allow them to opt out of the new health law requirement that they cover contraceptives for women.
There's been strong reaction to that decision by people in Pittsburgh.
"It's absurd that in 2014 we are still fighting this battle for access to birth control," Aleigha Cavalier, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, told KDKA political editor Jon Delano.
"And it's unfortunate now that bosses are going to be able to interfere with the personal health care decisions of now their employees."
But the owners of Hobby Lobby, who brought the lawsuit, said their First Amendment religious rights trump the Affordable Care Act that requires contraception coverage.
"It's been a long journey but an important one for those who wish to be guided in all areas of life, including their businesses, by faith and conscience," said Barbara Green, in a video statement from the company.
"We are truly grateful for a decision that allows us to continue to operate our family business according to our principles."
The decision is limited to family-owned companies, not major corporations.
The family that owns Hobby Lobby obviously feels so passionately about their religious views that they're willing to deny contraception coverage to their employees, but how do shoppers feel?
There's only one Hobby Lobby in this area -- just off Parkway West.
"We support Hobby Lobby. That's why I came today to celebrate," said Amanda Tunney of Sheraden.
Tunney seeks out faith-based stores like Hobby Lobby.
"Supporting Christian values in their business, and I think that's why they're successful, so definitely it has a lot to do with where I shop."
But not everyone agrees.
"It definitely would not surprise me if people said they weren't going to shop at stores that denied birth control to their employees," said Cavalier.
Brittany Macioce of Finleyville opposes Hobby Lobby's view but won't change her shopping habits.
"Not as a consumer, I would maybe change my mind if I was going to work there and be one of their employees, but, no, as a shopper, I'm going to go where I can get things at the best price," added Macioce.
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