ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York can continue to require companies with health insurance plans to cover medically necessary abortions, the state’s highest court ruled Tuesday.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and other religious groups argued that the rule violated their religious freedoms.
State financial regulators approved the policy in 2017. The state Legislature then separately codified the abortion coverage regulation into law in 2022. The religious groups sued over the regulation, not the law.
The Court of Appeals case had larger significance because the state’s law could be challenged using a similar legal argument, if the religious groups were successful.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, called the ruling a “critical step towards protecting these fundamental freedoms.”
In a statement, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany said it would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“We believe this is unconstitutional since it involves government entanglement in the fundamental rights of free exercise of faith and conscience,” the statement read. “The final decision on constitutionality will be by the United States Supreme Court.”
Garcia, Winker go deep as Nats end slide, beat struggling Twins 12
Campaign to Ensure More Children Insured
China calls for implementation of Security Council resolution on Gaza cease
Push for More Parental Care Leave Gathers Pace
US defender John Brooks to leave German club Hoffenheim
Daughter Travels 1,600 Km to Pick up Mother for Reunion
Strawberries Sweeten Life for Villagers in E China's Anhui
NPC Deputies Interviewed Before 2nd Plenary Meeting of 2nd Session of 14th NPC
Adela Cernousek of Texas A&M wins NCAA individual golf title for first collegiate win
China calls for implementation of Security Council resolution on Gaza cease
Garcia, Winker go deep as Nats end slide, beat struggling Twins 12
Shutterbug in Northeast China Records Growing Winter Sport Popularity