New York’s high court to hear case on abortion insurance coverage

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s highest court will hear arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to strike down a regulation requiring health insurance plans to cover medically necessary abortions — a case that could jeopardize a similar state law.

The lawsuit was filed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and other church groups who claim the rule conflicts with their religious beliefs.

State financial regulators approved the abortion coverage requirement in 2017, and the Legislature codified the rule into law in 2022.

The religious groups are only challenging state regulations, not the law, meaning the reporting will remain in effect regardless of the outcome of the case.

But if the Court of Appeals strikes down the rule, attorneys in the case say the law could then be challenged with a similar argument, giving the case broader implications for access to abortion in New York.