13 State AG's Urge Broader Conscience Exemptions From Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

The Attorneys General of 13 states last week submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services a joint letter (full text) commenting on the Department's proposed rules that attempt to accommodate objections raised by non-profit religious organizations to the scope of the Affordable Care Act contraceptive coverage mandate. The letter urges the federal government to extend to all religious-affiliated nonprofits the exception that is available to houses of worship. It also calls for creation of a meaningful exception to the mandate for for-profit business owners who object on conscience grounds. Christian Post reports on the letter.