Wheaton College joins suit opposing Obamacare contraception mandate
BY MONIFA THOMAS Health Reporter mjthomas@suntimes.com July 18, 2012 12:54PM
Updated: July 18, 2012 12:55PM
Joining other religious institutions, Wheaton College has filed a lawsuit against President Barack Obama administration’s so-called contraception mandate, officials announced Wednesday.
Illinois-based Wheaton College has joined Catholic University of America in its suit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before the District of Columbia federal court.
The suit opposes Health and Human Services requirement that organizations provide contraception to their employees as part of the health care law President Obama signed, or face a fine.
Wheaton College said it’s decision to file the suit came after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act.
“We’re very clear on the sanctity of life, and this insurance mandate goes against our conscience,” President of Wheaton College Dr. Philip Graham Ryken said.
In the event that Wheaton College loses the lawsuit and is forced to pay a fine, Ryken said the college will do everything possible to continue to provide insurance for students.
At an unrelated news conference later Wednesday morning, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan was asked about Wheaton College’s decision to join the civil action against the so-called ObamaCare health package.
“I can tell you the federal courts will likely have to resolve that,” she told reporters.
