Will Catholics Comply?

Sometime soon, the Supreme Court will announce its decision in the Hobby Lobby case. Depending on how the justices rule, certain institutions may find themselves exempt from the controversial HHS mandate that requires them to arrange for the provision of contraception, sterilization, and certain abortifacient drugs. Although Hobby Lobby is a private corporation with Protestant owners, the case has implications for many others.

Catholics in particular have an interest here: The number of institutions sponsored by and otherwise identified with the Catholic Church is very large, and the Catholic bishops have spoken out clearly on the matter. At the moment, some Catholic institutions have a temporary waiver, and others do not. Some of those without a waiver have conformed, albeit in some cases under protest. It seems as if everyone is now waiting for the Court. But what if the justices do not give relief? What then?