URGENT ACTION ALERTS: New Threat to Conscience

On August 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" that will require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to include 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.

Take Action #1:

Concerned Americans have until September 30 to send their comments to HHS.

• Write to HHS opposing their recent preventive services mandate.
• Download our Nationwide Bulletin Insert in both English and Spanish to use in your parish and communities.

Take Action #2:

On September 7, Cardinal DiNardo, chair of the bishops' Committee on Pro-LIfe Acitivities, urged Congress to support conscience protection legislation in light of this "unprecedented threat to religious freedom." Please add your voice to his:

• Write to Congress supporting the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (HR-1179).

For more information on the HHS mandate and its inadequate conscience protection, read our Preventive Services Backgrounder.
Additional resources are provided below.

Columns and Commentary

• "The High Costs of 'Free' Birth Control" by Richard Doerflinger, July 28, 2011

Testimony and Letters

• Preventive Services Letter to US Congress, September 7, 2011
  Comments on Interim Final Rules Imposing Contraceptive Mandate, August 31, 2011
• Cardinal DiNardo Letter to Congress Concerning Respect for Rights of Conscience Act HR-1179, July 22, 2011