“Big Abortion and its political allies have moved from ‘choice’ to ‘coercion,’ punishing those who do not support their deadly agenda,” said AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (05-07-13) –Americans United for Life today filed its thirteenth amicus curiae brief in a legal challenge to Obamacare and in defense of freedom of conscience. In our brief filed in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, AUL argues that the Obama Administration’s “HHS Mandate”—which forces many employers to provide insurance coverage for life-ending drugs and devices without regard to the employers’ consciences or religious beliefs—violates the First Amendment freedom of conscience.
“Big Abortion and its political allies have moved from ‘choice’ to ‘coercion, punishing those who do not support their deadly agenda,” observed AUL President and CEO Charmaine Yoest. “The Obama Administration is using the implementation of the Affordable Care Act to force compliance with its radical, pro-abortion agenda. This is the liberty issue of our day, as American employers face threats of ruinous fines if they do not throw aside their beliefs in support of the abortion lobby.”
AUL’s brief was filed in Gilardi v. Sebelius, a case filed by the companies Fresh Unlimited, Inc. and Freshway Logistics, Inc., and their owners Francis Gilardi and Philip Gilardi. The Gilardis believe that actions intended to terminate innocent human life through abortion are in direct and serious violation of their faith, and they operate their businesses according to the values of their Catholic faith.
Previously, a federal district court in D.C. denied the Gilardis’ request for a preliminary injunction, which would have barred enforcement of the HHS Mandate against them and their businesses. The plaintiffs appealed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which subsequently enjoined enforcement of the mandate against the Gilardis while it considers this appeal.
AUL’s brief, available here, demonstrates that the life of a new human being begins at fertilization (conception), that “emergency contraception” has a post-fertilization effect that can prevent a new human being from implanting in the uterus, and that forcing employers to provide coverage for such drugs violates their constitutionally protected freedom of conscience.
The brief was filed on behalf of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Christian Medical Association, Catholic Medical Association, National Catholic Bioethics Center, Physicians for Life, and National Association of Pro Life Nurses.
For more information on life-affirming healthcare, visit AUL’s unique project, Real Healthcare Respects Life, click here.
