Talk it Out: The Court System

The Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) is a federal law which greatly expands the availability of affordable health care to low income Americans. The ACA requires employers to provide health care for their employees that covers all forms of contraception.

Now, imagine you a judge on a case where a for-profit corporations has sued the government for an exemption from the ACA. They argue that the requirement to pay for contraception is illegal because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. The government counter argues that granting the companies an exemption would result in discrimination as it would prevent female employee’s of these companies from receiving adequate access to effective birth control.

Imagine you are a judge on this case. How would you rule? Explain the legal justification for your ruling. Be sure to discuss the Bill of Rights in your answer.

Extra Resources

https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/10000000…

https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html