Senate blocks amendment to birth control rule
The Senate jettisoned an amendment Thursday that would have allowed employers an exemption from the Obama administration's birth control rule.
The amendment, proposed by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), was part of a highway funding bill. It was tabled by a vote of 51-48.
Some Catholic organizations, including healthcare systems and nursing homes, have objected to the requirement that insurers provide health plans that provide contraception for free, starting in August 2013. Churches are exempt from the mandate. Those that don't comply with the law will be required to provide notice to employees about where they can find contraception, such as in community health centers, public clinics and hospitals.
