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3d ago

Little Sisters of the Poor Ask Third Circuit to Block Ruling Reviving Contraceptive Mandate

The appeal seeks relief from an August ruling that threatens their exemption.

Nuns with the Little Sisters of The Poor, including Sister Celestine, left, and Sister Jeanne Veronique, center, rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 23, 2016, as the court hears arguments to allow birth control in health care plans in the Zubik v. Burwell case.
Former CNN reporter and Judge Wendy Beetlestone with President Barack Obama, who nominated her to the federal bench. | University of Liverpool
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Overview

  • The Becket Fund filed an opening brief with the Third Circuit seeking to overturn U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone’s nationwide injunction against the 2018 federal religious exemption.
  • The filing argues Pennsylvania and New Jersey lack standing and have shown no particularized harm, asking the court to vacate and dismiss the states’ challenge.
  • Absent appellate relief, the order says it would have to include contraceptive coverage in its health plans or face tens of millions of dollars in fines.
  • Becket’s Mark Rienzi leads the representation, with Paul Clement joining the brief, following Supreme Court wins for the Little Sisters in 2016 and 2020.
  • Oral argument is expected in early 2026, with the dispute rooted in the ACA’s HHS contraceptive coverage requirement.