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Ch. 18 · DOL·Proposed·

Clarify ERISA does not preempt state limits on abortion/surrogacy benefits

Mandate says Congress and DOL should clarify ERISA does not block states from restricting employer abortion (and surrogacy/anti-life) benefits, and seeks equal-or-greater pro-life benefits if abortion is covered.

Mandate

Mandate Ch. 18 (Labor) — Pro-Life Measures: Congress should require equal or greater benefits for pregnancy/maternity/adoption if abortion benefits offered and clarify no abortion accommodation mandate; Congress and DOL should clarify ERISA does not preempt states’ power to restrict abortion, surrogacy, or other anti-life benefits.

Undo plan

1) Preserve ERISA preemption that prevents a 50-state patchwork gutting uniform national benefit plans—or narrowly tailor any clarification. 2) Rescind DOL positions inviting states to criminalize abortion-related employee benefits. 3) Protect workers’ access to reproductive health benefits in ERISA plans. 4) Issue participant disclosures that are accurate and non-coercive. 5) Verify: plan benefit availability; preemption litigation outcomes.

Sources