HHS Gives Calif. 30 Days To End Rule Requiring Insurance Providers To Cover Abortions

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One America News

The White House may withhold federal funds to California if the state refuses to end a controversial insurance policy regarding abortion. In a statement, Health and Human Services Director Roger Severino argued California’s rule, which requires insurance providers to cover abortions, violates federal law.

Severino said states receiving funding from the department “can’t discriminate against health plans that decline to cover abortions.” He added the rule also forces anti-abortion Americans to pay into plans that cover the procedure.

The California law in question has been in place since 2014, but was recently challenged by a local church group. The lawsuit was dismissed in late 2019, but the plaintiffs issued a complaint to HHS, who sided with the church.

Sevarino said the move is part of the Trump administration’s vow to expand federal laws that protect religious freedom.

“The foundational rights of conscious and religious freedom are going to be heard, and it’s going to be addressed,” he said.