Watch CBS News

Colorado Christian University Sues Federal Government Over Health Care

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Colorado Christian University in Lakewood is taking the federal government to court. The school says it's being coerced into violating its deeply-held religious beliefs.

The beliefs involve strong opposition to abortion.

There are some 4,000 students and 500 employees associated with the university. The school offers a group health plan to its employees and students.

Under a federal mandate the plan must offer contraceptives. That leaves the school's administration, led by former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong, facing an important ethical question.

"(It's) whether or not people, or in our case universities, who have seriously held moral convictions against abortion, should nonetheless be required to pay for it and support it, and endorse it, in effect," Armstrong said.

The departments of Health and Human Services and Labor and Treasury have been named in the lawsuit charging, "A deliberate attack by the government on the religious beliefs of the Colorado Christian and millions of other Americans."

Beverly C. Ailts is the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado and feels the university's lawsuit is misleading.

"No one is compelling anyone to take action against their religious beliefs," Ailts said. "They are making contraception more accessible and affordable to those who want to take contraception."

"I supposed that if we lose then one option that we will look at ... is to simply stop offering health insurance coverage to our employees," Armstrong said.

Right now the university's stance against abortion is so strong that employees must sign a pledge not to take part in it.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.