WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is acknowledging that the Supreme Court should step into the latest battle over the president's health law.

At issue are claims from faith-affiliated charities, colleges and hospitals that object to rules allowing them to opt out of covering contraceptives for women who are part of their health plans.

The Justice Department says in a new court filing that the justices should resolve a dispute among lower courts.

The federal appeals court in St. Louis last month became the first to agree with the religious-oriented nonprofits, after seven other appellate panels sided with the administration.

The groups oppose some or all contraception as immoral. They say they remain complicit in providing government-approved contraceptives to women covered by their plans, though the organizations do not bear any financial cost.