Background
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among “preventive services for women” that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing — regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage.
The exemption provided for “religious employers” is so narrow that it fails to cover the vast majority of faith-based organizations, including Catholic hospitals, universities, and service organizations that help millions every year. Ironically, not even Jesus & his disciples would have qualified.
During the public comment period last fall, the bishops’ grassroots campaign alone generated over 57,000 comments to HHS opposing their mandate.
Now that the Administration has refused to recognize the Constitutional conscience rights of organizations and individuals who oppose the mandate, the bishops are now urging Catholics and others of good will to fight this unprecedented attack on conscience rights and religious liberty.
More than 400 Catholic leaders have called on Congress and the Administration to protect conscience rights in health care. The open letter appeared as a full page ad featuring over 150 of those leaders in the New York Times and the Washington Post on December 21.
What do you think? Send a letter to the editor at Rhode Island Catholic
Read the RI Catholic editorial: Obama forces Catholics to violate core beliefs
What are others saying about this unfair ruling?
- Catholic Relief Services
- Catholic Charities USA
- Michael Sean Winters – Distinctly Catholic (NCR)
- Washington Post Editorial
USCCB Select News Releases
- Bishops Decry HHS Rule, Urge Catholics to Stand Up for Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights in Homilies at Vigil for Life - January 23, 2012
- Cardinal-Designate Dolan Speaks Out Against HHS Rule, Calls For Action In New Web Video - January 20, 2012
- U.S. Bishops Vow to Fight HHS Edict - January 20, 2012
- U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope’s Reaffirmation of Religious Liberty During Ad Limina Visit - January 19, 2012
- Bishops Hail Court Decision Upholding Religious Liberty - January 11, 2012
- Cardinal Calls For Greater Conscience Protection In Health Care Reform On Eve Of Subcommittee Hearing - November 1, 2011
- Cardinal Reaffirms Support for Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, Cites HHS Mandate as Cause for Urgency - September 7, 2011
- USCCB Urges Rescission of HHS Contraceptive Mandate,Criticizes ‘Inexplicably Narrow’ Definition of Religious Freedom - August 31, 2011
Additional Information on Conscience Protection
