Notre Dame reverses decision to end no-cost contraceptive coverage

The University of Notre Dame has reversed its decision to end free contraceptive coverage for employees.

The insurance company used by employees at Notre Dame will keep a plan with contraceptive coverage with no co-pay, US News & World Report reported Tuesday.

"The University of Notre Dame, as a Catholic Institution, follows Catholic teaching about the use of contraceptives and engaged in the recent lawsuit to protect its freedom to act in accord with its principles," the university said in an email Tuesday.

"Recognizing, however, the plurality of religious and other convictions among its employees, it will not interfere with the provision of contraceptives that will be administered and funded independently of the University."

The university had previously said it would stop coverage for employees of the university on Jan. 1.

The original decision came after the Trump administration rolled back an ObamaCare requirement that employers include birth control coverage in their health insurance plans.

The Trump administration last month published rules that said any for-profit or nonprofit employer or insurer can stop following the birth control mandate on moral and religious grounds.

ObamaCare mandated that employers offer health insurance that covers birth control without a co-pay, with exemptions for houses of worships and some companies.