Judge Questions Need for Injunction in Nashville Diocese's Contraceptive Coverage Suit
October 5, 2012 — A federal district court judge on Tuesday questioned the need for a preliminary injunction in the Diocese of Nashville's lawsuit challenging the federal contraceptive coverage rules, The Tennessean reports. The rules are being implemented under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148).
Magistrate Judge Clifton Knowles convened Tuesday's status conference to schedule a tentative date for the preliminary injunction hearing and to assess the merits of the plaintiffs' arguments. The suit involves several Catholic entities in the Nashville area.
An injunction might not be necessary because the government has given religiously affiliated institutions a one-year delay period to come into compliance, Knowles said.
Plaintiffs' attorney Matthew Kairis said some of the institutions have been unable to remove contraception coverage currently included in their health plans because the federal law requires plans to include it.
A hearing was tentatively scheduled for Oct. 30 (Harris, The Tennessean, 10/3).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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