Category: United States

Study reveals US Catholic hospitals are providing surgical sterilization

A study by Dr. Sandra S. Hapenney has revealed that almost half the Catholic hospitals surveyed in seven states performed over 20,000 surgical sterilizations and billed them as “sterilization for contraceptive management.”   The results of the study are disputed by Catholic Health Association of the United States, which, despite not having reviewed it, has stated that it contains “gross errors.”

Dr. Hapenney has demanded that the CHAUSA identify the errors. “Until they establish facts contrary to the findings of my research, they should avoid inaccurate and uniformed disparaging characterizations. Such attacks are as unjust and unwarranted as they are unworthy of the Catholic heritage these institutions represent.” [Daily Record]

 

2,500 women sign letter protesting HHS birth control mandate

An on-line letter to President Obama, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and members of Congress posted about 17 February has been signed by about 2,500 women, mainly Catholics, but from other denominations as well.  “No one speaks for all women” on issues related to contraception and abortion, it states.

Those who purport to do so are simply attempting to deflect attention from the serious religious liberty issues currently at stake. . . . We call on President Obama and our Representatives in Congress to allow religious institutions and individuals to continue to witness to their faiths in all their fullness.

 

Seven states file lawsuit against Obama administration health care plan

Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida and Texas have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.  The suit alleges violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act through the HHS birth control mandate that will force insurance coverage for surgical sterilization, contraceptives and embryocides.[CNN]

 

Southern Baptists urged to oppose HHS birth control mandate

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptists has issued a fact sheet warning that the Obama administration’s birth control mandate “tramples religious freedom,” and has alerted church members to contact their senators to support proposed protection of conscience legislation. [Baptist Press]

 

Idaho House of Representatives passes resolution against federal birth control mandate

By a vote of 53-13, the Idaho House of Representatives has passed a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress  to pass a federal bill, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, which is before both the United States Senate and House of Representatives.  The bill would stop the imposition of the Obama administration’s birth control insurance mandate that is generating a controversy across the United States.