A sharply divided Supreme Court ruled this week that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. That marks the first time the high court has declared that businesses can hold religious views under federal law.
The justices' 5-4 decision means the Obama administration must search for a different way of providing free contraception to women who are covered under the health insurance plans of objecting companies, such as Hobby Lobby.
The President and C.E.O of Planned Parenthood of Montana, Martha Stahl, says the organization is disappointed in the ruling. Stahl adds it sets a "troubling and dangerous precedent":
"...because it means some bosses will be able to interfere with their employees access to birth control, and we firmly believe that a decision to use birth control should be between a woman and her doctor".
Representatives of the pro-life and conservative Montana Family Foundation could not be reached for comment.
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Monica Lindeen, issued this statement:
"The American People deserve better than to have the U.S. Supreme Court take away our freedom and give it to corporations. Corporations have no business making personal health decisions for women - or anyone else."
