Shelby Johnson

Staff Writer

   The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has met and discussed a series of new proposals made by the Obama administration regarding medical coverage for public employees, specifically the inclusion of contraception in most of the new health insurance plans. The Conference has strongly opposed the new proposals based on their longtime opposition to the use of contraceptives.

    The Republicans claim that this new legislation is an example of government’s intrusion into religious freedoms, and the Democrats accuse Republicans of trying to turn back the clock on women’s rights. Additionally, they state that a state-mandated rule for contraception coverage would help resolve issues like teen pregnancy and overpopulation.  Mitt Romney, Republican candidate for president, attacked the rule, saying, “It compels religious institutions to violate the tenets of their faith.”  He vowed that, if elected, he would block the legislation. In response to Romney’s declaration, Democrat Jan Schakowsky of Illinois said, “One’s health benefit should not depend on who the boss is.” In his view, it would be irresponsible for the government to constantly tinker with the public’s medical coverage without establishing some kind of stability.

    The Obama administration has been criticized for their demand that Catholic institutions help prevent unplanned pregnancies by providing birth control to their employees, regardless of their moral position on the issue. Many non-Catholic groups are accusing the Obama administration of encroaching on the religious freedoms that are guaranteed in the constitution. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has best summarized their complaints, asking, “Where has our freedom gone?” in a report.