The Wielands argued paying for contraceptive coverage included in their health insurance plan opposes their Catholic beliefs.
Despite winning the suit, Sen. Wieland said he would continue to keep his family in the health plan provided for state lawmakers. Catholic clergy has told him that as long as he fought the issue, he is not spiritually errant.
In their argument, Sen. Wieland and Mrs. Wieland cited the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 and a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court case involving Hobby Lobby that ruled business owners can refuse to offer contraceptive coverage based on religious objections.
The Affordable Care Act requires most employers hiring more than 50 full-time employees to offer health insurance that covers contraceptives. In the case, federal lawyers claimed the ACA mandate did not impose burden on the senator and his family, as they could choose not to use the coverage.
The attorney representing the Wielands said although the judge’s order only applies to his clients and the state insurance plan, it carries larger implications since other families with similar religious concerns could cite the ruling.
Sen. Wieland and his wife filed the suit in 2013.
More article about healthcare legal & regulatory issues:
Physician sued for allegedly enabling son to commit statutory rape
Miss. physician indicted on prison bribery scandal
Fla. paramedics face charges for taking selfies with unconscious patients
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
