Michigan pro-life groups are suing the state claiming a law requires them to hire pro-choice employees that don’t support their mission. Right to Life of Michigan and Pregnancy Resource Center have filed a complaint against the state, claiming a state employment law that now defines sex discrimination to include the choice to have an abortion would require them to hire pro-choice employees. The groups are also objecting to a state law that requires employers who provide pregnancy coverage to also provide abortion coverage for staff. The state passed the Reproductive Health Act, which went into effect in February 2024, redefining “sex” to include “the termination of a pregnancy.” Both agencies have job openings listed but have not included their pro-life mission in their listings under concern they could be accused of discrimination. As a result, the groups have received applications from applicants that identify as “pro-abortion.”

“Recent changes to Michigan’s employment law force religious and pro-life groups to employ and associate with persons who do not share or live by—and may even oppose—the organizations’ beliefs on human life,” the complaint stated. “This violates the First Amendment. Plaintiffs Right to Life of Michigan (Right to Life) and Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) recruit, hire, and retain only employees who adhere to, agree to abide by, and can effectively communicate their pro-life views. This employment policy puts them at odds with Michigan’s new law.”

The groups are being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom. “It makes no sense to force pro-life organizations to hire employees who disagree with that view,” said ADF Senior Counsel Bryan Neihart. “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. Michigan’s law forces these organizations to contradict their beliefs and to employ staff who endorse abortion—a decision that harms women and ends innocent lives.” The ADF is also representing pro-life groups in New York that are fighting similar legislation. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer defended the law at the time of signing, calling abortion a “fundamental right.” “No one in Michigan should face discrimination because they exercised their constitutional rights, including their right to reproductive freedom by having an abortion,” she said.