Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania

The Court decided that the federal government lawfully created broad exemptions from contraceptive-coverage requirements for employers with religious or moral objections. The case also involved whether the Little Sisters could continue defending those exemptions on appeal.

Justice Thomas wrote the 7–2 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Kavanaugh, Gorsuch, and Breyer; Justices Alito and Kagan concurred; Justices Ginsburg and Sotomayor dissented.

Majority

Thomas

Roberts

Alito

Kavanaugh

Gorsuch

Kagan

Breyer

Dissent

Ginsburg

Sotomayor

The decision affects employers that object to providing health-plan coverage for contraception and employees covered by those plans. For example, a religious employer may qualify for an exemption from the coverage requirement.

The Court has finished this docket action. Employers and employees affected by the exemptions must follow the rules as they apply after the decision.

The Court decided that the federal government lawfully created broad exemptions from contraceptive-coverage requirements for religious or moral objectors.

Employers with religious or moral objections may be affected, along with employees whose health plans could otherwise include contraceptive coverage.

The Supreme Court has finished the case. The practical effect depends on how the exemptions apply to particular employers and health plans.