SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ A federal appeals court has ruled three University of Notre Dame students who want the school to provide health care plans that cover birth control can intervene in a lawsuit filed by the university challenging portions of the federal health law.
 
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled late Tuesday that the three unidentified students can participate in the lawsuit filed last month by the university. 
 
Americans United for Separation of Church legal director Ayesha Khan represents the women. She says they want a say in the lawsuit because they have a perspective different from federal lawyers and will be impacted by the ruling.
 
An email seeking comment was sent Wednesday to university spokesman Paul Browne by The Associated Press.