A federal court has sided with Oregon Right to Life in a legal dispute over mandatory abortion coverage requirements for employee health benefits. The judge’s decision means the pro-life organization will not be compelled to include abortion services in their worker insurance plans.
The controversy stems from legislation enacted by Oregon’s state legislature in 2017, which mandated that employers provide abortion coverage through their health insurance offerings. The law included provisions allowing religious organizations to seek exemptions from this requirement.
However, when Oregon Right to Life submitted their application for the religious exemption, state officials denied their request, determining the organization did not meet the criteria for being sufficiently religious in nature.
Following the federal court’s favorable ruling, Oregon Right to Life has characterized the decision as a triumph for pro-life advocates throughout the state of Oregon.
