Federal Judge Blocks Michigan Law Affecting Pro-Life Groups

LANSING, MI — A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Michigan law provision that pro-life organizations argued could force them to hire employees who oppose their mission and provide health insurance coverage for abortion-related services.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled July 10 in favor of Right to Life of Michigan and the Pregnancy Resource Center in their challenge to the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The dispute centers on a 2023 regulatory change that requires employers to respect an employee’s claimed right to obtain an abortion, according to the plaintiffs.

In his decision, Jonker questioned whether such requirements could force organizations to act against their own beliefs. He compared the situation to requiring Weight Watchers to provide weight-loss drugs, Christian Scientists to provide health insurance, or an anti-euthanasia organization to include assisted suicide services in its health plans, arguing that such mandates could conflict with an organization’s core purpose.

The ruling establishes a temporary injunction while additional legal questions are considered by the Michigan Supreme Court before the case potentially returns to federal court.

Right to Life of Michigan praised the decision, saying it protects the organization’s ability to hire employees who support its life-affirming mission. Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the group, similarly argued that the government cannot compel religious and advocacy organizations to employ individuals who oppose their message.

ADF attorney Bryan Neihart said the First Amendment protects the ability of pro-life groups to maintain consistency between their employees and their stated beliefs.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a West Virginia judge blocked a ban on religious vaccine exemptions.