The Feds Just Told CA to Stop Forcing Churches to Pay for Abortions

by Maureen Collins: How radical is California on abortion?

We already know that the U.S. Supreme Court rebuked the state for trying to force pro-life pregnancy centers to speak a message against their mission in NIFLA v. Becerra.

But several years ago, the California Department of Managed Healthcare (DMHC), a state agency, mandated that the healthcare plans of churches and other religious organizations pay for elective abortions through their insurance plans.

Unelected officials at the DMHC made this decision without passing a regulation or allowing for public input. And they did so after being influenced by pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood.

This policy change meant that Skyline Wesleyan Church in the San Diego area and Foothill Church of the Los Angeles area were forced to choose between their deeply held pro-life beliefs and providing health insurance to their employees. So both churches filed lawsuits against the DMHC.

But now, the federal government is taking notice!

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights sent a letter to California. The letter informed California Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, that the DMHC was violating federal conscience protections by forcing churches and people of faith to pay for abortions through health insurance plans.

The letter gave the DMHC 30 days to show the HHS Office of Civil Rights that it has changed course or it risks losing federal funding.

Praise God! This is an important step toward ending California’s unconstitutional policy.

But it also sends the important message that government officials must respect religious freedom. Because the First Amendment protects everyone’s right to freely live out their faith—not just those who happen to agree with the government.

What you stand for is what defines you
Across the U.S., female athletes like Selina Soule and Alanna Smith are being forced to compete against biological males. Activists are pushing schools and athletic associations to adopt harmful policies that allow male athletes who identify as girls to compete in high school women’s sports. This isn’t “progress.” And it’s not fair. These policies violate Title IX, which is designed to protect women’s equality in education and sports. And they rob girls of scholarships, athletic opportunities, and dreams of competing at the next level.

Stand with athletes like Selina and Alanna. We can no longer remain silent.
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Maureen Collins writes for Alliance Defending Freedom

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