SUPPORT RESPECT FOR RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE ACT
3/21/2012
Last August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a list of “preventive services for women” to be mandated in almost all private health plans under the new health care law, including sterilization, all FDA-approved birth control (such as the IUD, Depo-Provera, ‘morning-after’ pills, and the abortion-inducing drug Ella), and “education and counseling” to promote these among all “women of reproductive capacity.” HHS’s rule allowed only a very narrow exemption for a “religious employer.” Religious organizations providing education, health care and charitable services to all in need could not qualify for the exemption.
On February 10, despite a storm of protest, President Obama adopted this policy as a final rule “without change” (Federal Register, 2/15/12). Religious organizations that cannot qualify for the exemption will have an extra year to comply; but before the end of that period, an additional rule will be issued to make sure that their employees receive the mandated coverage despite the employer’s objection.
In a February 15 letter to the Senate, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, wrote: “In short, we are back to square one -- except that the rule so many hoped would change to accommodate Americans’ right of conscience is no longer subject to change, except by legislation.” See: nchla.org/datasource/idocuments/S1467-2-15-12.pdf. For more information on religious liberty and conscience rights, see: www.usccb.org/conscience.
The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179) will ensure 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.” On March 1, the Senate voted, 51-yes, 48-no, to table this bill when it was presented as Senate Amendment 1520 to the Transportation Authorization Bill (Vote Number 24). As Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), the amendment’s sponsor, stated: “This fight is not over.” Check your Senators’ votes at: nchla.org/keyvotes.asp. Senators who voted not to table should be thanked, and those who voted to table should be asked to reconsider their position on this matter. Representatives should be urged to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act and work for its passage.
ACTION: Contact your U.S. Representative e-mail, phone, or FAX letter:
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Representative's local offices. Send an e-mail through NCHLA’s Grassroots Action Center at: HERE. Additional contact info can be found on Members' web sites at: www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
Senate Message of Thanks: “Thank you for your vote in support of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act when it came before the Senate as the Blunt Amendment 1520 to the Transportation Authorization Bill. I urge you to continue working to ensure that the religious liberty and conscience rights of all participants in our nation’s health care system are respected.”
Senate Message of Disappointment: “I am deeply disappointed that you voted to set aside the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act when it came before the Senate as the Blunt Amendment 1520 to the Transportation Authorization Bill. The religious liberty and conscience rights of all participants in our nation’s health care system must be respected. Please re-consider your position on this matter.”
House Message: “Please co-sponsor and support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179). The 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 religious liberty and conscience rights of all participants in our nation’s health care system are respected.”
WHEN: A House vote is anticipated in the weeks to come. Please act today! Thanks!
Updated 3/21/12
