US employers must provide free contraceptive coverage for women

The US Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule on contraceptive coverage, which will require most employers to provide women, including many who work for employers who oppose contraception on religious grounds, with access to health insurance that provides such coverage for free.

Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, health plans must cover a wide variety of preventive services for free, including contraceptive care, a requirement that has met with fierce opposition from religious groups and some private employers, who oppose contraception.

A coalition of such employers has filed suit, claiming that the requirement violates their constitutional right …