Judge: Pa. School Can Exclude Some Birth Control

A federal judge has ruled that a western Pennsylvania Christian college can temporarily exclude coverage for birth control like the morning-after pill and the week-after pill when it offers a health insurance plan to its employees.

Monday's ruling echoes an earlier finding by the same judge that Geneva College in Beaver Falls can also exclude such coverage in a health plan it offers to students.

The preliminary injunctions remain in effect until the judge rules on the school's underlying lawsuit challenging looming federal health care reforms, or until a higher appeals court rules on the issue.

The school about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, is affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church and argues certain types of birth control violate its religious beliefs against abortion.

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