Tom Brejcha, president of the Thomas More Society, explained that the Yeps are challenging not only the federal mandate but also a similar state mandate in Illinois that has been in place for years.
Heated debate over the federal mandate brought the issue to their attention, and they checked their policy, discovering "to their chagrin" that their health coverage had included the objectionable elements without their knowledge, he said.
Now, the Yeps are seeking to correct this oversight and ensure that their company is run in accordance with their religious values.
Yep disagreed with the characterization of those who oppose the mandate as waging a war on women.
"My stance on this issue is that we're fighting for religious liberty for men and women," she said.
She explained that it is "unfortunate" that the debate has been framed as a women's rights issue when "it is definitely an issue of religious freedom."
Yep asserted that she should be free to live out her faith, not only through her worship, but by answering "the calling to engage in serving our fellow men and women."
"And that's what was guaranteed to me as a woman in the Constitution," she added.
Yep said that she cannot separate the business and personal aspects of her life. Rather, she seeks to live according to the same principles whether she is at home with the family, working at the company or praying in church.
"I've worked all my life to become this one, integrated person," she said.
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.