The Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, has announced that, effective 15 August, 2012, it will no longer provide health insurance coverage for students nor require them to have health insurance. The decision was made because the University refuses to comply with a federal regulation that requires such plans to provide coverage for contraceptives, sterilization and embryocides.[University statement]
Canadian Catholic bishops issue letter on freedom of conscience and religion
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a 12 page Pastoral Letter on Freedom of Conscience and Religion. While addressed to all people of good will, the bishops particularly addressed themselves to “those members of the faithful who find themselves in difficult situations where they may be pressured to act against their religious faith or their conscience.” The document emphasizes that freedom of conscience may be acknowledged by state authority, but state authority does not create it. Among the examples of violations of freedom of conscience, the document cites rules requiring referral for abortion by objecting physicians and the demand that objecting pharmacists dispense contraceptives or the ‘morning after pill.’ It recommends four strategies: affirmation of the role of religion in the public square, upholding a healthy relationship between Church and stated, forming conscience according to truth, and protecting the right to conscientious objection
Arizona Governor signs protection of conscience law
Senate Bill 1365 (2012) has been signed by the Governor of Arizona. It was drafted to ensure that professionals cannot be disciplined for refusing to provide services to which they object for reasons of conscience.
New Guinea bishops object to compulsory condom distribution
Catholic Bishops in Papua New Guinea state that their schools will not comply with a government policy requiring the distribution of condoms to students. The Episcopal Conference is prepared to defend its decision in court should the government try to enforce the policy. [Zenit]
Swedish physicians expected to arrange abortions on demand
A Swedish health authority has ruled that physicians must facilitate abortions if patients request them even if they are doubtful about the mental stability of the patient. The ruling followed a complaint from a woman whose physician cancelled an abortion and recommended that she see a counsellor because of concern that she was not “mentally balanced.” The physician’s decision was prompted by conversation with the patient’s husband the day before the scheduled procedure [The Local].