Washington, July 1 (RHC)-- In a closely watched judicial case, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled most private companies who claim religious objections can refuse to provide birth control coverage to employees as required by “Obamacare.”

In a 5-to-4 ruling opposed by all three women on the court, the justices ruled requiring "closely held corporations" to pay for contraception violates a federal law protecting religious freedom.

The title "closely held corporation" applies to about 90 percent of U.S. businesses. The ruling concerned two companies, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood, which objected to certain methods of birth control on religious grounds, claiming they are akin to abortion, despite scientific consensus to the contrary.

In a biting dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg objected to what she called "a decision of startling breadth," which could open the door for corporations to opt out of practically any law they say conflicts with their religious beliefs.