Judge dismisses abortion suit against health system

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against a Roman Catholic health system, which was challenged over its anti-abortion policy.

Detroit federal Judge Gershwin Drain says the American Civil Liberties Union and its members have no standing to sue Trinity Health Corp., parent of the Mercy Health system in West Michigan.

In a 13-page decision yesterday, he said the ACLU failed to explain what medical conditions would place their members at risk or if they are currently at risk.

The judge says any harm is "speculative."

The ACLU said women who develop complications are being discriminated against, because Trinity won't terminate pregnancies.

The ACLU is considering its next step.

Kevin Theriot said no one should be forced to perform abortions.

He's an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing medical groups that support Trinity.

Trinity Health is based in suburban Detroit.