The confrontation between the Catholic Church and the federal government in the United States on the subject of compulsory health insurance for contraceptives, surgical sterilization and embryocidal drugs and devices has exposed significant disunity among identifiably Catholic universities on the subject of contraception. Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded by the Jesuits, will end birth control coverage for employees in July. The announcement has caused controversy on campus. Contraceptive coverage continues to be provided by prominent Catholic universities like Georgetown, DePaul and Fordham. [Reuters] Belmont Abbey, which is suing the U.S. federal government because of the ‘preventive services mandate,’ provided contraceptive coverage for students until 2007. [Gaston Gazette]
Category: United States
New Hampshire House kills protection of conscience bill
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has tabled (suspended the legislative process) HB 1653, which was proposed to ensure freedom of conscience for medical professionals in the state.
Missouri House and Senate pass protection of conscience bills
House Bill 1541 has been passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. The bill defines ‘conscience’ as “the religious, moral, or ethical principles held by a medical professional or a health care institution.” The bill ensures that individuals and institutions cannot be compelled to participate in a number of defined procedures or research activities to which they object for reasons of conscience, and protects them against discrimination. Meanwhile, the Missouri Senate passed SB749, a bill drafted to prevent employers from being forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization.[Missourian]
Protection of conscience bill passes in Kansas
The Kansas House of Represtentatives has passed a Substitute for SB62. The bill provides protection for conscientious objection by individuals or institutions to participation in or referral for procedures, drugs or devices that may terminate pregnancies. [NECN.com]
U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing on federal health care reforms
The U.S. Supreme Court has commenced three days of hearings in a suit brought against the health care reform legislation that is generating significant controversy in the United States, much of it to do with general claims to freedom of conscience and religion. 26 state attorneys general have challenged the constitutionality of the legislation, and amicus briefs have been filed by seven medical organizations.[National Post]