The American Civil Liberties Union will be allowed to pursue its case against a law in Kansas that restricts insurance plans from covering abortions. US District Judge Julie Robinson ruled against the state’s request to dismiss the ACLU’s challenge of the law.
The ACLU argues that the law discriminates on the basis of gender. They contend that the law is such that men can by a comprehensive insurance plan that covers all of their health needs but women need to purchase a separate policy to cover all of their medical needs.
Kansas House Bill 2075, passed in 2011, bars insurance companies from offering coverage for abortions in general health plans, with an exception if a woman’s life is at risk. The ACLU must now demonstrate that the law imposes an undue burden on women seeking abortions.
Courthouse News Service 4/2/12; AP 3/31/12; Kansas City Star 3/31/12
