Michigan pro-life groups sue over state law forcing them to hire employees opposed to their mission

Pro-life groups are suing Michigan over a state law they say is unconstitutionally forcing them to hire employees who oppose their fundamental mission and views on abortion.

Right to Life of Michigan and Pregnancy Resource Center recruit and hire only employees who “adhere to, agree to abide by, and can effectively communicate their pro-life views,” notes a complaint filed in federal court by Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of the groups. Yet recent changes in Michigan employment law redefined sex discrimination to include “termination of a pregnancy,” meaning employers cannot filter applications or deprive job seekers of opportunities based on their views of abortion.

The state law prohibits employers from posting job openings that indicate a preference based on abortion views – and bars them from even asking applicants about those views, the complaint notes. The law also requires the organizations to include abortion coverage as a benefit in their insurance plans, ADF said. 

The lawsuit marks the latest First Amendment battle over abortion, with the pro-life groups arguing the Constitution protects their right to “join with others to further a common cause” and avoid activities that directly contradict their beliefs. 

“It makes no sense to force pro-life organizations to hire employees who disagree with that view,” ADF senior counsel Bryan Neihart said in a statement to The Lion. “Pro-life groups should be free to share the message of hope and joy with women and families experiencing a difficult season through employees who share their common goal.” 

Right to Life advocates for pro-life policies and legislation in the state, partners with local pregnancy resource centers, and offers resources to pregnant women and families, the filing notes. Pregnancy Resource Center helps pregnant women through education, support services, free medical care, and by giving formula, food, diapers, bedding, and other necessities for new moms. Both groups argue their work is only possible through employees who align with their core values. 

By forcing pro-life groups to hire staff who endorse abortion, Neihart said, the state’s law “harms women and ends innocent lives.”  

Pro-life groups should have “the right to recruit and hire employees who unequivocally support women in choosing life-affirming pregnancy care and who compassionately advocate for that choice,” Right to Life of Michigan President Amber Roseboom said in a statement to The Lion. “Governor Whitmer’s abortion-only response to unplanned pregnancy is a disservice to women, families, and the people of Michigan.” 

Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Rapids CEO Jim Sprague added that the state law “substantially burdens” the group’s ability to function as a “distinctly Christian ministry.” 

“PRC’s religious mission depends on employees and volunteers who affirm and live out its beliefs regarding the sanctity of human life, marriage, and human sexuality,” he said in a statement to The Lion. The law prevents the organization from clearly stating its beliefs without “risking serious penalties,” he added, and undermines the group’s “religious mission to serve women and families in need throughout Michigan.” 

The Lion has reached out to the Michigan attorney general’s office, named as the defendant in the lawsuit, for comment.