Obamacare Bites Catholic Church and Conscience Rights

In an audacious assault on revered conscience rights, the Obama Administration stated on January 20 that it would not alter the Obamacare “contraceptive mandate” issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in August to require all insurance providers to cover all FDA-approved drugs and devices. This mandate covers not only contraceptives but the morning after pill, Ella, and sterilizations. Can RU-486 and abortions be far behind? We think not.

This means that Catholic schools, hospitals and churches will be required to insure these drugs, devices and procedures which violate the teachings and principles of the Church. The so-called “exemption” the Obama Administration has carved out is ludicrous. An institution is exempt from the mandate if it hires and serves only Catholics. This means that any Catholic institution that cares for sick non-Catholics, serves the non-Catholic poor, or allows non-Catholic students in its schools and universities would have to abide by the mandate. HHS gave one caveat — a one year postponement for religious groups to implement the mandate.

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is irate. At the infamous and controversial Notre Dame commencement speech in 2009, President Obama made a commitment to respect conscience rights. Dolan met personally with President Obama in November and believed that Obama would keep his word. Dolan responded to the mandate as follows: “In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences. To force American citizens to choose between violating their consciences and forgoing their healthcare is literally unconscionable. It is as much an attack on access to health care as on religious freedom. Historically this represents a challenge and a compromise of our religious liberty.” He added, “The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy is a disease to be prevented at all costs.”

By Executive Order, President Obama has relaxed legal enforcement of conscience rights. His administration denied a sex trafficking grant to the Catholic church last year, even though the Church proposal was rated more highly than other entrants. The Catholic Bishops are now at war with the Obama Administration. How will individual Catholics view this frontal assault on Catholic principles and religious liberty? It will be an interesting 2012 election.

Barbara Lyons