Federal judge rules Catholic employers can reject regulations that protect workers seeking an abortion, fertility care

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/AP) — More than 8,000 Catholic employers across the country are allowed to reject government regulations that protect workers seeking abortions and fertility care, according to a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor, of Bismarck, granted a preliminary injunction, ruling that the Catholic Benefits Association and the Diocese of Bismarck were likely to succeed in proving that a final rule adopted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in April violated their freedom of religion.

The regulations are meant to enforce the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The judge also barred the commission from forcing the diocese and association to comply with harassment regulations meant to safeguard workers.

The judge says the rule “forces members to choose between expressing sincerely held beliefs and compliance,” and would cause “irreparable” harm.