Summary
A Washington state law, SB 6219, forces churches to cover elective abortions in their health insurance plans. As a result of the state’s mandate, Cedar Park Church’s insurance carrier inserted abortion coverage, including surgical abortion coverage, directly into the church’s health plan.
ADF filed a federal lawsuit in March 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. But in May 2020, the district court dismissed Cedar Park’s lawsuit against the state.
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys represented Cedar Park at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge Washington’s law.
On July 22, 2021, the Ninth Circuit sided with Cedar Park and ruled that the church has sufficient cause to sue the State of Washington. The church properly alleged a free-exercise injury due to the government’s pro-abortion law, affirmed the court.
Press Releases
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August 23rd, 2023Seattle-area church required to pay for abortions returns to 9th Circuit -
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July 22nd, 20219th Circuit rules in favor of Seattle-area church forced to pay for abortions -
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September 2nd, 2020WA church to 9th Circuit: Don’t let state force us to fund abortion -
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March 8th, 2019Washington forces church to choose: Fund abortions or break the law
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