Case: Illinois Baptist State Association v. Illinois Department of Insurance

2020MR000325 | Illinois state trial court

Filed Date: June 10, 2020

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is about a challenge to an Illinois law requiring health insurance policies to provide coverage for abortions. On June 10, 2020, the Illinois Baptist State Association, two Illinois corporations–Southland Smiles, Ltd. and Rock River Cartage, Inc.–and two Illinois residents filed suit against the Illinois Department of Insurance and its Director (collectively, the “Illinois Department of Insurance” or “IDOI”)) in state trial court. The plaintiffs sought judicial review of the state’s R…

This case is about a challenge to an Illinois law requiring health insurance policies to provide coverage for abortions.

On June 10, 2020, the Illinois Baptist State Association, two Illinois corporations–Southland Smiles, Ltd. and Rock River Cartage, Inc.–and two Illinois residents filed suit against the Illinois Department of Insurance and its Director (collectively, the “Illinois Department of Insurance” or “IDOI”)) in state trial court. The plaintiffs sought judicial review of the state’s Reproductive Health Act of 2019 (“RHA”), which mandated that every health insurance plan providing pregnancy-related benefits in Illinois also provide coverage for abortion (“the Mandate”). Plaintiffs alleged that the Mandate violated their rights under the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act and Illinois Health Care RIght of Conscience Act by requiring them to fund and provide health care coverage for abortion. Represented by the Thomas More Society and private counsel, plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. 

Following discovery, on September 4, 2024, the state trial court denied the Illinois Baptist State Association’s motion for summary judgment and granted the Illinois Department of Insurance’s motion for summary judgment, thereby entering final judgment in favor of the defendants. The court found the Illinois Baptist State Association failed to meet its burden of proving that the Mandate imposed a substantial burden on their religious exercise, as it could select alternative insurance plans not subject to the Mandate and so maintain insurance coverage without conflicting with its religious beliefs. 

Having lost in the trial court, the Illinois Baptist State Association filed an appeal in the Fourth District of the Illinois Appellate Court on January 8, 2025. As of September 29, the appeal is pending before the court. 

 

Summary Authors

Avery Coombe (9/29/2025)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2020MR000325

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

May 10, 2020

May 10, 2020

Complaint

2020MR000325

Order

Sept. 4, 2024

Sept. 4, 2024

Order/Opinion

Docket

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Illinois

Case Type(s):

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 10, 2020

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

An Illinois nonprofit, as well as two Illinois corporations and their owners, who all provided health insurance to their employees.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Non-profit religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Thomas More Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Illinois, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Reproductive rights:

Abortion

Reproductive health care (including birth control, abortion, and others)