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.
Watch
Cedar Park Church outside of Seattle, Washington is well-known for its commitment to the belief that all human life is precious and worth protecting.
A new state law requires all insurance plans that include maternity care also cover elective abortions.
Where the sanctity of human life is threatened, you can be sure that ADF will continue to provide a strong defense in courts nationwide—including all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit was selected to decide all lawsuits challenging the federal government’s private employer vaccine mandate. This consolidated case includes the four cases ADF filed in early November.
Florida Christian schools join states' challenge to Biden administration's private employer vaccine mandate.
Theological seminaries challenge Biden administration's vaccine mandate.
Legal Documents
Biographies
John Bursch
Senior Counsel, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy
John Bursch, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy with Alliance Defending Freedom. He has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court and over 30 State Supreme Court cases.
Additional Resources
Watch: Washington State Wants to Force This Church to Pay for Abortions | Cedar Park Church Client Journal
One-page summary