Catholic TV Network's Challenge To Contraceptive Coverage Mandate Dismissed As Not Ripe

In Eternal Word Television Network v. Sebelius, (ND AL, March 25, 2013), an Alabama federal district court dismissed on ripeness grounds a challenge to the Affordable Care Act contraceptive coverage mandate brought by a non-profit Catholic television network. The court explained:

Primarily for these two reasons—namely, (1) avoiding any interference with the ongoing rulemaking process before defendants have finalized their policies, and (2) the temporary nature of the current rules—the court finds that EWTN’s claims are not ripe for review.

The result is consistent with that in 16 out of 18 other similar challenges. Becket Fund has links to all the court filings and news coverage of the case.