WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A legal organization representing an anonymous Rhode Island man, has sued HealthSource RI, claiming his constitutional right to freedom of religion is being violated because all health plans on the exchange charge for abortion services beyond federal requirements.
The Providence Journal reports that the lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court, Providence.
Barth Bracy, executive director of Rhode Island Right to Life Committee, says he offered to work with the state on a solution. He said the administration of then-Gov. Lincoln Chafee disregarded the concerns of abortion opponents.
The case was filed by Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal organization in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Affordable Care Act will require that every exchange by 2017 offer plans that do not cover abortion services beyond federal requirements.
HealthSource RI did not comment.
