Please write your Senators now!

Write to your Senators at:
http://actions.nchla.org/link/target/nchla/598B7GRR.aspx


The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment sent this Action Alert:

On Thursday, March 1, the Senate is expected to vote on Sen. Blunt’s (R-MO) Respect for Rights of Conscience Act in the form of an amendment to the Transportation Authorization Bill. That amendment, also sponsored by Sen. Blunt, is Amendment 1520.

Senators should be urged to support the passage of Amendment 1520. This vote is expected to be very close. Especially if you have not yet contacted your Senators on the need to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, please act today! Please click on the link below to send a message.

Last August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a list of “preventive services for women” to be mandated in almost all private health plans under the new health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The mandated services include sterilization, all FDA-approved birth control (such as the IUD, Depo-Provera, ‘morning-after’ pills, and the abortion-inducing drug Ella), and “education and counseling” to promote these among all “women of reproductive capacity.” HHS’s rule allowed only a very narrow exemption for a “religious employer.” Catholic organizations providing education, health care and charitable services to all in need could not qualify for the exemption.

On February 10, despite a storm of protest, President Obama adopted this policy as a final rule “without change.” Religious organizations that cannot qualify for the exemption will have an extra year to comply; but before the end of that period, an additional rule will be issued to make sure that their employees receive the mandated coverage despite the employer’s objection.

The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467) will ensure that those who participate in the health care system “retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.”

Thanks for all you do in support of life!

Michael Taylor
Executive Director