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The Obama administration’s latest “compromise” over a federal mandate requiring employers to cover contraceptive services in health care plans is still not acceptable to the United States Catholic bishops.
The mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services requires coverage for sterilisation and contraception, including drugs that may cause abortions.
The cardinal said the proposal “appears to offer second-class status to our first-class institutions in Catholic health care, Catholic education, and Catholic charities”, treating them as if their work was not integral to the religious mission of the Church.
Secondly, Cardinal Dolan said the proposal would require coverage of contraception and sterilization by non-profit institutions that were not recognised by the federal government as “religious employers”.
Although separate policies provided by third-party administrators were proposed, it was unclear whether these institutions would be required to subsidise the provision of these “morally illicit” services.
Finally, the cardinal said the plan requires private employers, insurers and others to be involved in the provision of contraceptive services regardless of their moral objections.
“In obedience to our Judeo-Christian heritage, we have consistently taught our people to live their lives during the week to reflect the same beliefs that they proclaim on the Sabbath. We cannot now abandon them to be forced to violate their morally well-informed consciences,” he said.
Cardinal Dolan said the bishops would “redouble” its efforts with the Obama administration to find an acceptable solution.
“At the same time,” he added, “we will continue to stand united with brother bishops, religious institutions, and individual citizens who seek redress in the courts for as long as this is necessary.”
Sources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Image: CatholicPhilly
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