U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Photo: Mike Scarcella/ALM

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Friday sided with Christian-owned businesses and individuals who challenged an Affordable Care Act mandate that private insurers cover certain preventive care services, finding a task force that recommends the services to be covered is unconstitutional.

But calling its opinion "a mixed bag," the Fifth Circuit also lifted an injunction that would have blocked the government from enforcing the mandate nationwide. Judges Irma Ramirez, Don R. Willett and Cory T. Wilson called the nationwide injunction unnecessary and said U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor of the Northern District of Texas abused his discretion in issuing relief beyond the plaintiffs.

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Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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