NY federal appeals court rejects Catholic groups' claims over third-party contraceptive care

Another federal appeals court has ruled against Catholic church-affiliated groups who oppose being required to provide contraceptive care to employees through a third party.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday overturned a Brooklyn judge's 2013 decision. The appeals court said an Affordable Care Act provision that lets religion-related entities put the burden for providing contraceptive care services on third parties does not erode religious rights.

In a decision written by Judge Rosemary Pooler, the 2nd Circuit noted that six other appeals circuits have rejected similar cases brought for religious reasons since Judge Brian Cogan ruled in Brooklyn in December 2013. Four of those cases have been appealed to the Supreme Court.