Michigan Civil Rights Commission rules that small businesses must include birth control coverage

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission on Monday ruled that businesses that have fewer than 15 employees in the state and offer comprehensive prescription coverage to their employees must cover birth control prescriptions, the Detroit News reports.

Federal law requires businesses with more than 15 employees that offer health insurance cover birth control, according to the News.

The state commission -- after a request by the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations for a ruling on the matter -- said that businesses with 15 employees or fewer must include birth control in their health coverage packages.

The ruling allows employees to file sexual discrimination complaints with the department of civil rights if employers will not cover birth control under their health plans.

A business owner could appeal the commission's decision to a circuit court.

The ruling includes an exemption for faith-based organizations that object to birth control if the organization's primary purpose is to "promote its values," the News reports (Kozlowski, Detroit News, 8/22).