Washington State Wants Churches to Provide Abortion Coverage for Employees — And the Law Contains SECULAR But No Religious Exemptions

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington signed a bill into law in 2018 that requires employers with insurance plans that cover maternity leave — including churches — to also cover a procedure that kills unborn babies.

The state does not exempt churches and other religious organizations from paying for elective abortions.

Cedar Park Church in the Seattle area filed a lawsuit, alleging that the Reproductive Parity Act violates its First Amendment right to religious freedom.

After a lower court dismissed the lawsuit, the church appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which reversed the dismissal.

After hearing the case on the merits, the lower court again ruled against the church. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which represents Cedar Park Church, has filed a notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit. From ADF (emphasis added)

Cedar Park’s insurance carrier added surgical abortion coverage to Cedar Park’s health plan after the state law went into effect. The insurer indicated that it would remove the offensive coverage if a court were to hold the law cannot constitutionally be applied to churches.

ADF attorneys have maintained in Cedar Park Assembly of God of Kirkland v. Kreidler that the state’s legal arguments are not supported by the facts of the case and don’t hold up to Supreme Court precedent.

“SB 6219 contains secular exemptions that undermine its alleged purpose of protecting women’s reproductive health but has no corresponding exemption for health plans of religious organizations like Cedar Park,” one brief noted.

Cedar Park Church offers support to women with unexpected pregnancies and unwed mothers. They support foster care and adoption. They also teach K-12 students biblical principles. Find out more in the video below.