Catholic Charities of the Diocese v. Serio

OPINION OF THE COURT

R.S. Smith, J.

Plaintiffs challenge the validity of legislation requiring health insurance policies that provide coverage for prescription drugs to include coverage for contraception. Plaintiffs assert that the provisions they challenge violate their rights under the religion clauses of the federal and state constitutions. We hold that the legislation, as applied to these plaintiffs, is valid.

The Challenged Legislation

In 2002, the Legislature enacted what is known as the “Women’s Health and Wellness Act” (WHWA), mandating expanded health insurance coverage for a variety of…