The Knights of Columbus are among those reminding US citizens that Monday is the deadline for submitting public comments regarding the mandate requiring most health insurance plans to cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.
Barack Obama’s administration proposed new rules for the mandate in February, but a statement from the Knights notes that «these revisions did very little to correct the underlying problem with the mandate.»
«A large number of religious organizations, including schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and charitable organizations will be forced to provide objectionable coverage,» the organization noted. «Businesses and individuals of faith will lose the right to provide health care coverage that respects their deeply held religious and moral convictions.»
The bishops have energetically voiced their concerns about the rule and its violation of religious freedom. Among materials provided by the bishops is a fact sheet explaining the mandate, its supposed modifications, and the reasoning for the bishops’ opposition.
Public comments on the proposed rule are due by April 8.
«The struggle for religious freedom is at a decisive moment in our nation,» the statement from the Knights warned. «We must protect this right not only for own sake, but for the sake of our children, our grandchildren and all future generations.»
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On the Net:
To submit a comment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=CMS-2012-0031
Bishops’ fact sheet:
