Court Forces Nuns to Pay for Abortion

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A federal district court in Philadelphia ruled against a Trump-era religious conscience rule, siding with Pennsylvania and New Jersey in their challenge against the Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic order serving the elderly poor.

The decision requires the nuns to either include abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptives in their healthcare plan or face millions in fines.

In 2020, the Supreme Court upheld a federal rule in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania, protecting religious groups from the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate.

However, Pennsylvania and New Jersey continued their legal efforts to remove this exemption. The recent ruling sustains their challenge, prompting the Little Sisters to plan an appeal to the Third Circuit.

The controversy began in 2011 with the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate requiring employers to provide contraceptives, including some that can cause abortions.

While certain plans were exempted, religious groups like the Little Sisters were not initially included. Despite prior Supreme Court victories in 2016 and 2020, the nuns face ongoing litigation.

Mark Rienzi, the Little Sisters’ attorney, criticized the ruling for ignoring constitutional issues. The order vows to continue defending its mission.

Read also