Oral Argument Today in Health Care Conscience/Nondiscrimination Case

The California Supreme Court hears oral argument today in North Coast Women's Care Medical Group v. Superior Court, a case involving both health care rights of conscience as well as the conflict between religious freedom and nondiscrimination rules.

The dispute arose when Dr. Christine Brody declined to perform intrauterine insemination on Guadalupe Benitez on the ground that Benitez is unmarried. Benitez intended to raise a child with her lesbian partner. Benitez quickly located another doctor willing to perform the procedure. She eventually conceived and gave birth to a child.

Benitez sued Brody and her practice, claiming a violation of a California state forbidding sexual orientation discrimination in business establishments.

The CLS Center filed an amicus brief in support of Dr. Brody and her practice. More information about the case, including a link to the Center's amicus brief can be found here.