...lets clarify this debate:
1) This is not about access to contraception, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive, even when it is not provided by the Church's hand and with the Church's funds
2) This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block.
3) This is not about the Bishops somehow 'banning contraception,' the U.S. Supreme Court took that issue off the table two generations ago.
4) Indeed, this is not about the Church wanting to force anybody to do anything...
Instead
It is about the federal government forcing the Church-consisting of its faithful and all but a few of its institutions-to act against Church teachings.
5) This is not a matter of opposition to universal healthcare, which has been a concern of the Bishops' Conference since 1919, virtually at its founding.
6) This is not a fight we want or asked for, but one forced upon us by government on its own timing.
7) Finally, this is not a Republican or Democratic, a conservative or liberal issue; it is an American issue.
DID YOU KNOW?six things everyone should know about the HHS Mandate
A clarification regarding the Health and Human Services regulations on mandatory coverage of abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives, and sterilization1. The mandate does not exempt Catholic charities, schools, universities, religoius communities or hospitals.
2. The mandate forces these institutions and others, against their conscience, to pay for things they consider immoral.
3. The mandate forces coverage of sterilization and abortion inducing drugs and devices as well as contraception.
4. Catholics of all political persuasions are unified in their opposition to the mandate (that is, all those who are faithful)
5. Many other religious and secular people and groups have spoken out strongly against the mandate.
6. The federal mandate is much stricter than existing state mandates.
