DOL Withdraws Proposal Regarding Moral and Religious Objections to Contraceptive Coverage Under the ACA

The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (collectively, the departments) have withdrawn a notice of proposed rulemaking that was published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2023, regarding coverage of certain preventive services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

The proposal intended to resolve "litigation with regard to religious objections to providing contraceptive coverage, by respecting the objecting entities' religious objections while also ensuring that women enrolled in plans or coverage sponsored, arranged, or offered by objecting entities could independently obtain contraceptive services at no cost," the withdrawal notice said.

If finalized, the proposed rules would have rescinded the regulation providing for a contraceptive coverage exemption based on moral objections and would establish a new individual contraceptive arrangement.

As of December 23, 2024, the proposal is withdrawn.