A federal appeals court has made a surprising decision requiring a church in Washington state to pay for abortions. The Cedar Park Assembly of God challenged a law mandating that nearly all health plans, including those of churches, must cover abortion services. The church, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom lawyers, argued that this law violates their pro-life religious beliefs.
Despite support from various conservative organizations and 18 states, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the church, stating it did not have the necessary standing to contest the law. Judge Susan Graber noted that the church could still find an insurance plan that excludes abortion coverage due to Washington's conscientious objection statute. However, this is problematic since most insurance options are costly and generally cover abortion.
Judge Consuelo Callahan dissented, claiming the church faced an unfair dilemma between covering abortions or breaking laws. Rory Gray from Alliance Defending Freedom expressed disappointment at the ruling and mentioned that they would consider further legal actions. Kristen Waggoner criticized the court's decision, arguing that no church should be compelled to finance abortions and that they should have the right to challenge such laws legally.
https://www.lifenews.com/2025/03/07/court-forces-church-to-fund-killing-babies-in-abortions/
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