Chism and Sinnett argue in their complaint that they “sincerely believe that they are religiously obligated to assist any woman facing a threat of miscarriage who requests their help, whether that risk arises biologically, due to physical trauma, or because she willingly or unwillingly took the first abortion pill.”
In his Oct. 21 order, Domenico said Chism and Sinnett “have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their free-exercise claims” against the state law, known as SB 23-190.
“The state defendants have not contested that SB 23-190 burdens Bella Health’s religious practice. Indeed, it is not up to the state or the court to second-guess the sincerity of Bella Health’s religious motivations or to suggest alternative means of satisfying plaintiffs’ religious calling,” the judge wrote.
Becket, a religious liberty law firm, is representing Chism and Sinnett in the case, Bella Health and Wellness v. Weiser.
“We are relieved and overjoyed to continue helping the many women who come to our clinic seeking help,” the two women said in a joint statement after the judge’s order.
“Bella has helped multiple women continue their pregnancies with progesterone after they had taken the first abortion pill,” Becket attorney Rebekah Ricketts told CNA. “In fact, since this lawsuit began, one abortion pill reversal patient under Bella’s care gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Three other women who received abortion pill reversal treatment under Bella’s care are scheduled to give birth this fall.