Opposition to Challenge to Health Care Reform, Liberty University v. Geithner (amicus) 

Liberty University challenged the Affordable Care Act, arguing among other things that the statute would violate its rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by requiring it to purchase insurance that could cover abortion. Liberty University’s argument would effectively require insurance companies to exclude coverage for abortion and other health care services that any faith claims are objectionable. The university lost its initial challenge to the ACA last year and is now appealing the case.  We filed our amicus brief on February 25, 2011, arguing that religious beliefs should not dictate access to health care services for others.  On September 8, 2011, the Fourth Circuit dismissed the case, holding that under the Anti-Injunction Act, the federal courts did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.

Court Documents (click link to view .pdf)
Brief Amicus Curiae- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

Attorney(s)

Andrew Beck, Brigitte Amiri, Daniel Mach, Heather Weaver, ACLU National; Rebecca Glenberg, ACLU of Virginia

Date filed

February 25, 2011

Court

U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

Status

Closed