Officer Sues Coast Guard To Avoid Immunization With Vaccine From Fetus' Cells

The Alliance Defense Fund last month filed suit on behalf of a U.S. Coast Guard officer seeking a religious exemption from the requirement the officer receive a Hepatitis A vaccination. (Press release (Jan. 4).) The complaint (full text) in Healy v. United States Coast Guard, (D DC, filed Dec. 28, 2007) alleges that the Hepatitis A vaccines available in the United States have all been developed from cells taken from an aborted fetus. Plaintiff, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Healy, says that his Catholic religious beliefs preclude him from receiving these vaccines since this would amount to participation in societal structures that facilitate abortion. A Coast Guard officer denied his requested exemption from immunization, claiming that that receiving the vaccine does not violate Catholic doctrine. The lawsuit alleges that the exemption denial violates Healy's free exercise rights and violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. [Thnaks to Bob Ritter for the lead.]