Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation v. Burwell

Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation v. Burwell was a U.S. Supreme Court case that consolidated with Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.. The core issue was whether for-profit corporations, based on the religious beliefs of their owners, could be exempt from the contraceptive mandate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).12

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was central to the case. The Supreme Court ruled that closely held for-profit corporations are considered "persons" under the RFRA and can therefore exercise religious freedom. This meant that companies like Conestoga Wood Specialties and Hobby Lobby could refuse to provide health insurance coverage for certain contraceptive methods if it conflicted with their sincerely held religious beliefs. The Court found that the contraceptive mandate imposed a substantial burden on their religious exercise and that the government had not shown it was the least restrictive means to achieve its compelling interest.1