On behalf of the U.S. bishops, the chairmen of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities and the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty are encouraging U.S. legislators to support the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940). The legislation allows those who provide, purchase, and sponsor health coverage under the Affordable Care Act to opt out of abortion, its coverage, or other specific items that are against their moral beliefs. Additionally, the bill protects these individuals and institutions from government discrimination in regards to federal funding. An excerpt of the letter Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore sent to lawmakers:
"Congress should act to reaffirm a principle that has long enjoyed broad bipartisan support: Government should not force anyone to stop offering or covering much-needed legitimate health care because they cannot in conscience participate in destroying a developing human life or violate their conscience in other ways."
To read the full letter, click here.