Proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on July 25 are “a violation of religious freedom and bad medicine,” according to multiple U.S. bishops’ conference chairmen.
HHS mandate
Catholic Medical Association Counters Health and Human Services Directive on Emergency Abortions
In response to the Biden Administration’s latest federal health care directive that allows providers to perform abortions in emergency situations, the national Catholic Medical Association (CMA) stated its members are “dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to both the mother and her unborn child without directly compromising either one in the process.”
HHS Expected to Propose Health Care Rule on Abortion, Transgender Services
Leadership at the Catholic Benefits Association believes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will soon announce new regulations that may pose an existential threat to religious-based employers including Catholic hospitals.
HHS Ensures Hospital Patients Have Access to Spiritual Care Amid Pandemic
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Religious Liberty praised the Department of Health and Human Services for resolving discrimination complaints over two hospitals’ refusal to let patients have access to the sacraments of baptism and the anointing of the sick during the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. House Appropriations Measure Blocks Conscience Protection Rule
An omnibus appropriations bill approved by the House July 31 to fund a dozen federal departments and agencies blocks a conscience protection rule for health care providers who do not want to participate in abortion, sterilization or assisted suicide on religious or moral grounds.
Court Rules in Favor of Employer Exemptions to Contraceptive Coverage
In a 7-2 ruling July 8, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trump administration rules that give employers more ability to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage in their health plans.
HHS Rule Helps ‘Restore Rights of Health Care Providers,’ Say Bishops
The chairmen of three U.S. bishops’ committees welcomed a final rule implemented by the Trump administration June 12 to restore “the long-standing position of the federal government that discrimination on the basis of ‘sex’ means just that and does not refer to ‘termination of pregnancy’ nor ‘gender identity.'”
Appeals Court Says Title X Rule Can Take Effect While Suits Proceed
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced July 15 it would begin implementing the Trump administration’s “Protect Life Rule” to bar Title X funds from being used for promoting or providing abortion as family planning.
Life-Saving Decisions
The draft document of the Strategic Plan 2018-2022 for the U.S. Government’s Health and Human Services just was released in September. It states:
Learning to Live in a Pluralistic Society
The Little Sisters have spent the last several years in the limelight due to our Supreme Court case over the HHS contraceptive mandate. We have received valuable support and encouragement from many sources.
