HHS Mandate: The Issue, The Concern
It's always important to contact your congressman to voice your concern.
Make your voice known!
Cardinal Dolan Voices Dismay At White House Letter to Bishops
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York voiced dismay in the Administration's handling of the church as the White House and the church seek to work out religious freedom problems found in a mandate in the new health care reform bill...
He also promised to provide educational materials to parishes and to pursue legislative and judicial efforts to restore respect for religious freedom in the nation.
Respect For Rights of Conscience Act is defeated
What was it? See: www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-026.cfm. The measure would have ensured that those who participate in the health care system 'retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions'.
It would make an ironclad law stating that no administrative decrees of the federal government can violate the religious right of freedom to follow your conscience.
Senate vote tables Act
The U.S. Senate voted 51-48 March 1 to table the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467), sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and 37 other senators.
. Church leaders pledged to redouble efforts to support religious freedom after the Senate voted to table the act.
See the full story in the St. Louis Review
Read the Feb. 17 Bishops Bulletin Insert for a good summary of the issues.
Go to NCHLA Action Alert for legislators contact information.
What can you do?
Contact your U.S. Representative by e-mail, phone, or FAX letter to tell them of your concern:
- Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members' local offices or at this link:
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.
- Additional contact info can be found on Members' web sites at: www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.
A Message to support the bill:
Please co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467) and help enact it into law. The Obama administration's decision to mandate coverage of sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that can cause an abortion, makes passage of this measure especially urgent. Please ensure that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation's health care system are respected.
How can you find out more?
Original HHS Mandate
On January 20, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services
(HHS) interpreted the new health care law to require employers to
include birth control services in their employee health insurance
plans. This includes birth control drugs and devices, as well as
sterilizations.
Although the ruling includes a 'religious exemption', it is so narrow that a great many religious organizations -- including Catholic colleges and universities, as well as hospitals and charitable institutions will not be eligible.
Many birth control drugs/devices actually induce early stage abortions
rather than prevent conception. Given that life begins at conception,
being forced to pay for these drugs/devices is in direct violation of
conscience for Catholics.
'The HHS mandate..forces individuals and groups with religious or moral objections to purchase and provide such coverage if they are to receive or provide health coverage at all. This poses an unprecedented threat to individual and institutional religious freedom.'
Synopsis of the mandate, with exemption details
Cardinal-Designate Dolan Speaks Out Against HHS Rule
