California loses bid to quash church suit over abortion insurance

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Abortion is immoral, despite the nation’s highest court legalizing it more than 40 years ago. Since Roe v. Wade, abortionists have killed more than 58 million voiceless and vulnerable people. Pro-lifers back then likely foresaw what’s happening today. Religious organizations like Little Sisters of the Poor are in court fighting for an exemption from including in their healthcare plans drugs that could kill the unborn. California has gone further. The state mandates churches pay for the procedure that definitely kills the unborn.

The California Department of Managed Health Care redefined basic healthcare services to include snuffing out the lives of babies in the womb. Churches must offer employees healthcare coverage for elective abortions. Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa, Calif., is one of the churches pushing back. Skyline’s allegations against California include state and federal free exercise, establishment of religion, and equal protection violations.

The state filed a motion to dismiss Skyline’s lawsuit. On Monday, a court granted the government’s motion on the equal protection claim but denied the request to dismiss the religious and standing claims. The case will move forward. Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Skyline and other churches in lawsuits against the government, issued this statement:

“Californians shouldn’t be forced to choose between following their deepest convictions and submitting to unlawful, unjust government mandates. The California mandate leaves churches with no legal way at all to opt out of paying for abortions. The Department of Managed Health Care unconstitutionally forced abortion coverage into churches’ health insurance plans without their knowledge or approval, and the agency didn’t even follow the appropriate administrative procedures to institute this mandate. The court was right to deny the state’s attempt to escape accountability for its actions.”

That seven judges ruled women have a right of privacy to kill their “unwanted” babies in the womb will never render the act moral. People with a pro-life conscience and religious convictions have the right to oppose this terrible procedure and apply those beliefs to their daily lives.

Decent people are accused of bigotry for wanting to stop men pretending to be women from entering women’s restrooms, fitting rooms, locker rooms, and showers, where women expect privacy. Christian business owners incur legal fees and government penalties for declining to bake cakes and arrange flowers for same-sex weddings. Those who seek to protect the unborn have to sue to stop a requirement that they participate in the very sinful, life-destroying act they oppose. Could anyone imagine only 10 years ago that this would be our reality? Unfortunately, it will get worse. Fortunately, we can continue to petition our government for redress—and keep resisting.