Thirteen states are under investigation following allegations that they are forcing healthcare entities to pay for abortions despite conscience objections, potentially in violation of a federal healthcare conscience law, according to a March 19 press release from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The HHS’ Office for Civil Rights is investigating the states for policies potentially in violation of the Weldon Amendment, which prohibits federal, state, or local government discrimination against healthcare entities that refuse to pay for or cover abortions, according to the release.
The release did not provide a list of which states are under investigation.
However, AP News reported that the 13 states with policies requiring insurance companies to provide abortion coverage are: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
HHS Office for Civil Rights’ Director Paula Stannard said the office “launches these investigations to address certain states’ alleged disregard of, or confusion about, compliance with the Weldon Amendment.”
She explained that the Amendment ensures that healthcare entities, including insurance providers, “are protected from state discrimination for not paying for, or providing coverage of, abortion contrary to conscience. Period.”
The legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) stated in a March 19 press release that it “applauds” the investigation, noting that it has been representing Cedar Park, a church in Washington, in a court case over a state law forcing abortion coverage in health insurance plans.
Matt Bowman, senior counsel for ADF, said in the release that it is “unconscionable for any state to force pro-life, religious ministries or businesses to pay for abortions.”
Bowman said ADF is “pleased” that the Trump administration affirmed that Americans’ conscience rights are protected under federal law, which prohibits government officials from forcing religious or pro-life groups to violate their beliefs.
“We’re hopeful this timely and needed investigation will prompt states like Washington to think twice before trying to force its pro-abortion agenda onto churches like Cedar Park,” Bowman added, “which Alliance Defending Freedom is proud to represent.”