Activists at the Supreme Court: Contraception and ‘Religious Freedom’ Are Not Mutually Exclusive

Reproductive rights activists make it clear through their speeches, chants, and posters that contraception is basic health care and should be protected from religious objections under the Constitution. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaks at the Zubik v. Burwell rally outside the Supreme Court. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Nuns "are the public face of the religious right’s crusade against the birth control benefit in the Affordable Care Act," Rewire's Jessica Mason Pieklo writes. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Nuns gather around the Supreme Court in support for "religious freedom." Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Reproductive rights activists show that for them, "religious freedom" and pro-choice policies are not mutually exclusive. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, speaks to onlooking protesters. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Catholics for Choice members explain that Catholic women use birth control too. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Amber J. Phillips, senior manager of youth leadership and mobilization at Advocates for Youth and a member of Echoing Ida, speaks during the rally. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health rallies for "salud, dignidad, justicia" (health, dignity, justice). Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire
Activists show their support for the full scope of reproductive care, including contraception and abortion care, which are both at issue in separate cases before the Supreme Court. Lauryn Gutierrez / Rewire

On Wednesday, reproductive rights activists gathered on the steps of the Supreme Court as the justices heard oral arguments in the Zubik v. Burwell case, in which the plaintiffs argue their religiously affiliated institutions should be fully exempt from providing contraception as a part of their health insurance plans. Read more of our coverage of the case here.