Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the ACA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is authorized to promulgate regulations on the kinds of contraceptives and family planning services that should be covered under certain employer-based health plans. Previously, HHS exempted a broad class of religious institutions (e.g. churches, religious orders, and their integrated auxiliaries) and not-for-profit organizations. Eventually, HHS concluded that any contraceptive approved by the FDA should be covered. Under the contraceptive mandate, any company not in compliance is subject to a penalty of $100 per ...