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Washington state defeats church's appeal over healthcare coverage for abortion
The panel said Washington’s Parity Act is neutral and generally applicable, rejecting the church’s claim that it was forced to cover abortions for about 140 workers.
- On Monday, the Ninth Circuit ruled against Cedar Park, determining that Washington state's abortion coverage mandate does not specifically target religious conduct, effectively ending the church's legal challenge to the Washington Parity Act.
- The Kirkland-based Cedar Park, which provides insurance to about 140 staff members, sued in 2019 arguing the 2018 Washington Parity Act violated the First Amendment by requiring abortion coverage against its religious beliefs.
- Circuit Judge Susan Graber wrote the laws are neutral and generally applicable, finding no evidence the legislature was motivated by hostility toward religion, and concluding the church failed to show it was coerced into providing abortion coverage.
- Consuelo Callahan dissented, arguing the law burdens religious exercise and violates the First Amendment, while Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Rory Gray expressed disappointment and said the organization is evaluating its legal options.
- The panel noted Cedar Park's inability to secure a Providence health plan stems from the insurer's business decision not to operate in the church's county, rather than the Parity Act mandate itself.
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Washington state defeats church's appeal over healthcare coverage for abortion
A divided U.S. appeals court on Monday rejected a renewed challenge by a Seattle-area church to void a Washington state law that requires insurers offering maternity coverage in employee health plans to also cover abortions.
·London, United Kingdom
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