Massachusetts first state to require birth control coverage without exemptions

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday signed a bill that would mandate all employers cover birth control regardless of religious or moral objections, pushing back at rules that were activated at the federal level.

Baker, a Republican, said on Twitter Monday that his signing of the bill, which was passed along bipartisan lines in the legislature, would ensure “critical access to important contraceptive coverage.” The law goes into effect immediately, but insurers have six months to implement changes.