In The News
HHS Mandate Violates Religious Liberty, Mandates Contraception, Sterilization and Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has issued a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing — regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has led the effort to fight the coercive HHS mandate that threatens the Church’s First Amendment right to religious liberty. They are urging Catholics and the public to learn more about this threat and to speak out in protest.
In The Media
- Bishop Olmsted: Obama attacking religious freedom Video
- Mike Phelan of the Diocese of Phoenix's Office of Marriage and Respect Life discusses the HHS mandate on The Bishop's Hour Catholic radio program. (Feb. 21, 2012) Mp3 Audio
- Ron Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, provides an overview of the federal government’s HHS mandate on The Bishop's Hour Catholic radio program. (Feb. 6, 2012) Mp3 Audio
- Bishop Olmsted on The Hugh Hewitt Show, 960 AM The Patriot. (Feb. 7, 2012) Mp3 Audio
- Bishop Olmsted on The Mike Broomhead Show, 550 KFYI. (Feb. 1, 2012) Mp3 Audio
From the Diocese of Phoenix
- Statement from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted on Revisions to HHS Mandate (Feb. 14)
- Letter from Bishop Olmsted that was sent to all parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix. (Jan. 28)
- Read the bishop’s letter in Spanish.
From the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Bulletin Insert: Conscience Rights, Religious Liberty Violated by Sweeping HHS Contraceptive Mandate
- Six More Things Everyone Should Know About the HHS Mandate
- Background: Bishops Vow to Fight Coercive HHS Mandate
- Bishops Renew Call to Legislative Action on Religious Liberty (Feb. 10)
Additional Resources
