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Posted: January 24, 2012
Gov mandate tramples on conscience rights 1/23/12
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On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it will not expand a religious exemption to its health care mandate. The announcement means most religious organizations will be required to offer employees insurance that includes contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says employers will be required to inform employees about place where contraceptive services are available. Sebelius says religious employers who object to the rules will have until August 1st of 2013 to comply.

Critics say an exemption to that rule is extremely narrow. To qualify for it, an employer must teach religious values and serve mainly people who share those values.

Our Liz Faublas talked more about the mandate with Sister Mary Ann Walsh, the Director of Media Relations for the U.S. Bishops Conference.

1 comment
Carole Quine -- January 26th, 2012 at 9:30 am

Hello. In reference to the article above (“Gov mandate tramples on conscience rights”), what can ordinary Catholics do to fight this decision? As is, I feel useless and frustrated just reading articles and hoping for Church authorities and lawyers to right this wrong. Shouldn’t the rest of us do something–launch a phone or letter writing campaign to DHHS? The White House? Our representatives in D.C.? Please advise. Thanks!

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