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Judge dismisses Pittsburgh Diocese lawsuit against Affordable Care Act
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A federal judge today dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh seeking an exemption from the Affordable Care Act.
U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry found in his 28-page opinion that the diocese had not been harmed by the 2010 health insurance reform law.
He also found that the defendants, including the federal departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury, were taking "clear and concrete steps ... to address the concerns of Plaintiffs, including their commitment not to enforce the challenged regulations against Plaintiffs while accommodations are under consideration."
He noted that in March, the departments published a notice that they are working on amendments to help religious organizations to abide by the act without directly contracting for contraceptive coverage.
The diocese in May sued the federal agencies and officials charged with implementing the act, largely because of concerns that it might force the Roman Catholic institution's insurance to cover abortion-related drugs and services.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be pursued again.
First Published November 27, 2012 5:19 pm
