Catholic groups ask court to halt health care law

WASHINGTON (AP) — Catholic organizations are calling on the Supreme Court to stop portions of President Barack Obama's health care law that force them to provide health insurance for students and employees that includes birth control.

Several organizations, including the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington, the Catholic Diocese of Nashville, Catholic University and the Michigan Catholic Conference, asked justices on Tuesday to block the law until their arguments are heard.

Parts of the Affordable Care Act go into effect on Wednesday.

The groups say the law infringes on their freedom to practice religion without government interference. Under the law, employers must provide insurance that covers a range of preventive care, free of charge, including contraception. The Catholic Church prohibits the use of contraceptives.