The act requires health insurance providers to provide contraceptive methods, including controversial morning-after pills. Further, while organizations can opt out of the birth control coverage, the act would then force insurance companies to provide contraception directly to students. Wheaton officials said indirect support of controversial birth control methods is a violation of the school’s religious beliefs.
“What has brought us here is about student health insurance, but it’s bigger than student health insurance,” said Paul Chelsen, Wheaton’s vice president of student development. “What really breaks my heart is there are real people who are affected by our decision; but if we don’t win this case, the implications down the road in terms of what the government will tell us what we can and cannot do will be potentially more significant.” (Chicago Tribune)