Health reform lawsuit by diocese dismissed
PITTSBURGH — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by the Pittsburgh Catholic diocese over the looming health care mandate that employers offer contraceptives under their employee health plans.
U.S. District Judge Terrence McVerry’s opinion says the diocese has not been harmed by the legislation and the government is taking steps to address the kind of religious objections raised in the suit.
The Pittsburgh diocese filed suit in May claiming a requirement to provide contraceptive and abortion-inducing drugs or services would violate its religious liberty.
A diocese spokesman tells a Pittsburgh newspaper its attorneys are reviewing the ruling.
McVerry’s opinion says the diocese can sue again if its concerns are not satisfactorily resolved.
