“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to maintain a temporary injunction blocking the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage requirement for a non-profit nursing home is disappointing, but the Court was clear that this was not a decision about the merits, which the Court of Appeals is still considering.

This spring, however, the Court will tackle the question of whether for-profit corporations like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp., can deny employees birth control coverage.  The Court must reject those dangerous intrusions by employers that could affect millions of women and harm their health.

Birth control is essential to women’s health and well-being. It allows women to avoid unintended pregnancy and plan their families, and proper birth spacing has demonstrated benefits for both maternal and child health. Contraceptive coverage with no co-pay makes essential birth control services available to all women.

Doctors and their patients should decide which health services women need. Employers must not be allowed to deny women coverage for birth control.”