Pro-Life Forces Meeting Up at the Supreme Court to Support Catholic Diocese in New York
In a pivotal moment for religious liberty and pro-life advocacy, Rev. Jim Harden, CEO of CompassCare, is leading the charge against New York’s controversial abortion mandate. This mandate, which requires all health insurance plans to cover abortion and abortion-causing contraceptives without co-pay, has significant implications for pro-life organizations, churches, and millions of conscientious objectors who find this requirement incompatible with their deeply held beliefs.
The Thomas More Society has filed on behalf of CompassCare, an ecumenical pro-life network based in Rochester, NY, a friend-of-the-court brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of the Catholic Diocese of Albany’s lawsuit against New York State. This legal action addresses a troubling issue: the forced participation of pro-life organizations in funding abortions through their health insurance premiums, effectively violating their First Amendment rights. Rev. Harden asserts that this mandate discriminates against traditional Christians and pro-life advocates by coercing them into financing practices that contradict their moral convictions.
Rev. Harden emphasizes the broader implications of this mandate, stating, “Pro-life people are bearing the brunt of pro-abortion bigotry perpetuated by New York politicians. When pro-abortion advocates accuse pro-life individuals of violating women’s rights, they conveniently ignore the discrimination faced by those who oppose abortion on moral grounds.” He passionately argues that this issue transcends religious lines, affecting all serious pro-life Christians who adhere to biblical teachings.
As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes continue to rise. With Ballot Proposal Number One poised to enshrine abortion as a protected civil right in New York’s Constitution, Rev. Harden warns that the ramifications could extend beyond New York, nationalizing a culture that undermines religious freedoms. He believes that if this proposal passes, it will create an even more hostile environment for pro-life advocates across the country.
In response to the oppressive mandate, CompassCare is offering employees access to Christian medical cost-sharing programs, providing a moral alternative in a landscape where traditional health insurance options are increasingly unviable. However, the federal government’s moratorium on the creation of such programs has severely limited choices, leaving only a few viable options like Samaritan Ministries and Medi-Share available to conscientious objectors.
Rev. Harden is eager to share his insights and experiences, discussing how the implications of this case extend beyond the immediate legal context to touch on fundamental issues of faith, conscience, and the right to refuse participation in actions contrary to one’s beliefs. He invites media outlets to engage in this crucial conversation about religious freedom and the rights of pro-life organizations.
Here is a link to the Friend of the Court brief:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-319/328945/20241022133436755_No.%2024-319_Brief.pdf
Q&A:
- Can you elaborate on the specific legal arguments outlined in the friend-of-the-court brief filed by CompassCare? What precedents do you believe will support your case?
- How has the New York abortion mandate impacted CompassCare’s operations and your ability to serve the community? Can you share specific examples?
- You mention the moral conflict posed by the abortion mandate. How do you reconcile this with the legal obligations imposed on pro-life organizations?
- What do you see as the broader implications of this case for religious liberty, not just in New York but across the United States?
- How has CompassCare adapted to the challenges presented by the mandate, particularly concerning employee health insurance options?
- With the upcoming Ballot Proposal Number One, what strategies is CompassCare employing to educate and mobilize pro-life supporters in New York?
- In your view, what role do pro-life organizations play in the national conversation about reproductive rights and religious freedoms?
- How can individuals and churches across the country support CompassCare in its legal battle and the broader fight for religious liberty in healthcare?
ABOUT JIM HARDEN…
Rev. Jim Harden, a dedicated pro-life advocate and leader of CompassCare, is known for his outspoken views on medical ethics, executive leadership, and pro-life strategy. With a family of ten children and a strong moral compass, he believes in the adage, “Money follows morality.” Harden has been vocal about perceived corruption in federal law enforcement and public policy in post-Roe America. His predictions about the Dobbs decision in 2018 and the demise of the “Red Wave” in 2022 showcase his deep understanding of the political landscape.
Learn more about CompassCare here:
facebook.com/compasscarecommunity
CONTACT:
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