California churches fight state mandate to fund abortions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Christian Examiner) – California's Department of Managed Health Care has ordered all insurance plans in the state, including those for churches, to cover elective abortion, and seven congregations are fighting back.

According to World Magazine, the California agency categorized abortion as a "basic health care" requirement, and citing the state's constitution and a 1975 state law said group plans must cover elective abortions.

The Alliance Defending Freedom and the Life Legal Defense Foundation have filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services saying the state is violating a federal law which protects employers from being forced to cover abortion in health insurance plans.

The churches listed in the lawsuit are Skyline Church in La Mesa, Foothill Church and Foothill Christian School in Glendora, Alpine Christian Fellowship in El Cajon, The Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, City View Church in San Diego, Faith Baptist Church in Santa Barbara, and Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino.