[StBernard] Object to Mandated Insurance Coverage of Contraceptives and Abortifacients

[Westley Annis]

Call To Action	 

On August 1st, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued
new mandates concerning preventive health services to be covered by
insurance plans.  These mandates - in response to the Institute of
Medicine's advisory report issued to HHS - require that all insurance plans
provide coverage for all prescription contraceptives approved by the FDA, as
well as abortifacients such as the "morning after" pill and "Ella" (a drug
similar to RU-486 which can induce an abortion some weeks into pregnancy).

There are a few exceptions and these include those group health plans which
were in effect before the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health
Care Reform) was enacted, along with those offered by employers who are
deemed by HHS to qualify as a "religious employer."  However, the definition
of "religious employer" is so narrow that its applicability negates most
religious employers within the United States.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has voiced its
strict opposition to and disappointment with this final Act of HHS, due to
its failure to ensure respect for rights of conscience when developing such
mandates.  The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) has also strongly
opposed this mandate.  

You may notice that this is not a traditional VoterVoice Action Alert.  This
is largely due to what we are asking of you now... It appears that the only
area subject to reconsideration within this entire manner, is the narrowly
defined "religious employer" language.  Therefore, we are asking that you
contact HHS via email before September 30th for comment.  It is critical
that all voices of conscience be heard and protected in such important and
widespread policy decisions.  Respect for conscience is continually tested
and challenged, yet it is essential that such conscience protection be
granted for not only religious employers, but for all employers, insurers,
and policy issuers with moral, ethical, or religious objections as well.

PLEASE CONTACT HHS at: 

E-OHPSCA2713.EBSA at dol.gov

to express your opposition to the definition of "religious employer" within
the context of a lack of true conscience protection!

Thank you.  Sincerely,

Rob Tasman
Associate Director
Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops