Havens Quoted in Law360 Story Titled “Lawyers Weigh In On Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby Ruling”

Jolie Havens, a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and the chair of the health care group, was quoted in a Law360 story regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc.  In the decision, the court found that closely held for-profit employers can secure an exemption from the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate.

The story includes this quote from Havens:

“Today, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court maintained that closely held, for-profit employers can claim a religious exemption to the ACA’s requirement for first-dollar contraceptive coverage. Although the decision has been described as ‘limited’ and ‘narrow,’ we are confronted with the obvious question as to whether this ruling can and will be used to open the door to challenges regarding coverage of other preventive health service —  such as vaccines — or even essential health benefits —  such as mental health and substance abuse treatments, including anti-depressants. Only time will tell, but this ruling may well provide a broader platform upon which to chip away at various provisions of the ACA, and query in those situations whether sufficient community interests would exist to trump religious liberty.”

To read the entire story, visit the Law360 website. (Subscription may be required).