Contraceptive Mandate Challenge Transferred From D.C. to Michigan Federal Court

In M&N Plastics, Inc. v. Sebelius, (D DC, Nov. 5, 2013), the federal district court for the District of Columbia granted the government's motion to transfer a suit by a Michigan small business and its owners challenging the contraceptive coverage mandate to federal court in the plaintiff's home district-- the Eastern District of Michigan. The government argued that plaintiffs' decision to file in D.C. was motivated by a desire to take advantage of favorable precedent in that district. The 6th Circuit (which includes Michigan) has unfavorable precedent for plaintiffs. (See prior posting.)