Religious groups rejoice as Supreme Court returns the Obamacare birth control case to the lower courts. Some say it's too early to celebrate because the Supreme Court still failed to give a decision on whether or not the revisions on the 2010 Obamacare health program violates religious practice of religious-affiliated institutions.
ObamaCare is short for Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that provides cost-free contraception to women by including it on benefits covered by health insurance. Christians opposed the act and was granted a compromise that religious-affiliated institutions be exempt from paying insurances that cover contraception.
Religious groups responded with another complaint: requiring employers of religious-affiliated institutions to sign health insurance before approval of application is already endorsing contraception. They refuse to sign insurance papers that indirectly makes them as an instrument in allowing their employees to use contraception, saying that it goes against their religious beliefs.
According to Reuters, the Supreme Court holds no final decision and only gave a suggestion for the lower courts to consider. The govenment could directly arrange coverage with health insurance companies without the need to require employers, especially those of religious-affiliated institutions, to sign papers before coverage is granted.
"The court expresses no view on the merits of the cases. In particular, the court does not decide
whether petitioners' religious exercise has been substantially burdened," the ruling stated.
Nonetheless, the Supreme Court believes that the final decision on ObamaCare's birth control revision should honor "petitions' religious exercise while at the same time ensuring that women covered by petitioners' health plans 'receive full and equal health coverage, including contraceptive coverage.'"
Senior Counsel of Little Sisters of the Poor, Mark Riezi received the ruling with enthusiasm that victory is within reach. "From our point of view this is a win for religious liberty. The government can find ways to give out contraception without hassling nuns," he said as reported by Kaiser Health News.
The failure to arrive with a final ruling is also said to have been caused by the recent passing of Supreme Court Justice Scalia, leaving only 8 seats filled, with 4 conservatives and 4 liberals. According to Reuters, Obama already endorsed Merrick Garland to the Senate but no action has been done yet. Fox News say that the case might return to the Supreme Court until election season is over.
ObamaCare is a mandate of the Obama administration that aims to make health services more affordable and accessible. Do you think the program's compromise on birth control infringes on the rights of Christians to practice their religious beliefs properly? Share your comments below.
