The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Maine abortion providers have appealed a judge’s ruling against their challenge to MaineCare’s ban on insurance coverage for abortion. The case was brought on behalf of Mabel Wadsworth Center, Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.
In October 2017, the Cumberland County Superior Court granted summary judgment to the defendant, Commissioner Ricker Hamilton of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Oral arguments were heard in Augusta at the Supreme Judicial Court on Wednesday. Zachary Heiden represented the ACLU and Maine DHHS presented the case to sustain the prior court ruling.
From a moral standpoint, Maine taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the taking of human life through the abortion process.
From a legal standpoint, the Cumberland County decision was undoubtedly correct and should prevail for three reasons: 1.) Medicaid funds are partly federal, 2.) the Hyde Amendment prohibits federal taxpayer funds from being used for abortions, 3.) and because MaineCare recipients are exempt from abortion coverage under DHHS’s own rules.
The brief and other information:
Legal documents concerning this case
ACLU press release
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:12-13).
May we stand firm together in prayer, “Father, may righteousness prevail in the decision this court will soon make in this case. May babies be saved from being aborted, mothers protected from the lies perpetrated by the abortion industry, and taxpayers protected from funding the heinous act of abortion. Please touch the hearts of each one of the justices, may they see abortion for what it is and have the courage to rule on behalf of life: Justice Leigh Ingalis Saufley, Donald G. Alexander, Andrew M. Mead, Ellen A. Gorman, Joseph Jabar, Jeffrey L. Hjelm, and Thomas E. Humphrey. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
Take action by passing this information on to others and encouraging them to pray diligently about this case. Thank you.
Penny Morrell
State Director
CWA of Maine
director@maine.cwfa.org
me.cwfa.org
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