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I'm pleasantly surprised...

But as a disclaimer I generally am opposed to Obamacare so any hit against it would make me happy.

Regardless...I support the separation of church and state - I dont think its wrong for a privately held corporate to have religious values they want upheld within their company.

I'm pleased.

I'm happy with the ruling for the reason @Mrs D: stated.

I think it's bullshit and sets us back many years. @Mrs D: and @Smurfette, how can you support separation of church and state but agree with this ruling? What's next? If the owners of a different corporation believe that earth is overpopulated and reproduction should be limited (because there are groups that legitimately believe in that), should they be allowed to deny maternity coverage or leave to their employees? If another corporation owner belongs to a religion that does not believe in medical interventions, should they be exempt from having to provide health insurance if they would otherwise be required to do so? And hey, if Hobby Lobby is allowed to change their health insurance to fit their religious beliefs, why not just allow them to discriminate in their hiring process and stop hiring anyone who is gay, has sex outside marriage, etc? I think there are about a million things that are wrong with this ruling.

I agree with the ruling from a business perspective like Mrs. D has said.

@Mrs. Jump Rope: I agree, it may be a hit for some workers but if it is company provided health care, they still have the option to purchase birth control on their own or purchase their own health insurance plan all together. So its not like this is a ruling that says anyone that works there can't have birth control.

ETA: I believe that you earn a job and it is a privilege. So if you don't agree with the company and don't want to accept the benefits they offer, then you can choose to search for employment elsewhere. Obviously this is a line because workplace safety and discrimination aren't what I would consider a "benefit" or "privilege".

@mrs. bird: Another excellent example of the awful precedent being set here.

@wonderstruck: I understand your point. I guess for me, I am pretty much against most all government involvement in our business/lives anyways - so for me I am happy to this outcome. This is why the legislation was terrible to begin with - it puts the government where they dont belong.

@Mrs D: But doesn't it also put my employer where he doesn't belong?

@mrs. bird: I think health insurance is a part of an overall benefits package. If you are properly informed of your employers willingness to cover ABC items and unwillingness to cover XYZ then you make employment decisions accordingly knowing you may need to obtain extra coverage. No one forced you to work for who you work for.

Not trying to argue, just sharing my opinion. I respect that it is just that and other are welcome to disagree.

@Mrs D: Agree.

Disgusted. Still can't bring myself to read the opinion.

@BlueWolverine: I would love it if the last part of your post happened. DH works for a small business that does not offer health insurance. Have you guys ever priced out how much insurance with maternity coverage is if you have no choice but to pay for it out of pocket? It's absolutely insane. And opinions on Obamacare aside, that is something that it helped get under control - possibly to the detriment of those who don't require that kind of coverage. But that's all basically a symptom of a larger problem with health insurance companies.

@T.H.O.U.: My employer pays for my premium, which I'm incredibly grateful for. To suggest that I could find the same coverage on the open market is naive. I really hate the idea that people can just up and quit their jobs if they don't like what's going on. It's unrealistic for most people, especially people of limited means.

@T.H.O.U.: I totally agree. It is pretty common knowledge Hobby Lobby's religious beliefs, so don't work there.

While I don't support them not providing BC, morning after pill, etc, I think it is their right to not provide them (and pay for them).

@BlueWolverine: I hate that it costs more to get the same coverage too, but thats part of supply and demand and bulk pricing. Should the general public be entitled to Dell business pricing just because a company can purchase computers for $100 when they place a bulk order? Of course not.

I hate too that its not easy for people to just quit their jobs if they don't like whats going on, but if you really have an issue, you will fight to figure out a way.

I am surprised (and troubled) by the fact that the Supremes have seemingly placed the (closely held) corporation owners' interests above the interests of individual citizens. I have not read the opinion in full yet, but will later.

As an aside, Ginsburg gets a standing ovation from me for reading the dissent aloud from the bench.

@MsLipGloss: I agreed. I heart RBG.

I think ObamaCare is kind of like the Articles of Confederation that founded the USA (but for healthcare). It's a step towards something better, but as problems emerge with it (including the Supreme Court rulings re: Medicaid and contraception)... the need for a whole new system will become more clear to everyone.

In the case of the Articles of Confederation, they were eventually replaced by a much stronger Constitution. In the case of ObamaCare, I wouldn't be surprised if eventually it is replaced by a single-payer system.

I think having access to free (subsidized) birth control is good for our country (financially and medically) so I think it is reasonable for the government to include it as a part of health insurance requirements. I think debate about this aspect is acceptable (whether or not it should be included), but religion should not be a factor.

What I don't think is acceptable is that Hobby Lobby can pick and choose what they deem "holy/moral/acceptable" based on their religious views.