BISHOPS’ PRO-LIFE OFFICIAL “GRAVELY CONCERNED” OVER THREAT TO HHS CONSCIENCE PROTECTION REGULATION
WASHINGTON—Deirdre McQuade, spokesperson on abortion and related issues at the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops, commented today on reports that the Obama administration is moving to rescind a federal regulation that implements longstanding federal statutes protecting conscience rights in the health care profession.
“We are gravely concerned over today’s news that the Obama administration may rescind the current federal regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers,” McQuade said. “Efforts to nullify or weaken any conscience protection will undermine our national heritage of diversity and religious freedom, reduce patients’ access to life-affirming health care, and endanger the national consensus required to enact much-needed health care reform.”
“The Administration says it will open a new 30-day comment period so Americans may voice their concerns. We encourage participation in this process by all committed to the sanctity of human life, the freedom of conscience, and the ethical integrity of our healing professions,” she added.
The USCCB issued a statement last August welcoming the proposed regulation when it was first released for public comment by the Bush administration (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-118.shtml). Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, also wrote to Congress urging respect for conscience protection measures (www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf). Formal comments on the proposal were later submitted by the USCCB Office of General Counsel (www.usccb.org/ogc/ruleind.shtml), and the Conference welcomed issuance of the final rule in December (www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-203.shtml).
From the archdiocesan Pro-Life Office
Above is a communication from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) following President Barack Obama’s move to begin the process of rescinding the current federal legislation that protects medical staff and centers from performing abortions. Such action would allow President Obama to suppress professionals’ rights of conscience! This is totally unaccepatable!
As I mentioned in earlier e-mails, one tactic to expand abortion rights and suppress conscience rights would be achieved through the “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA). However, if this radical pro-abortion legislation that establishes abortion as a fundamental right is not passed in the near future, the strategy of this administration, and those who support radical pro-abortion rights, would be to pass the legislation piecemeal. President Obama’s strategy to overturn President Bush’s protections on the conscience clause would be one such way around FOCA.
President Obama’s officials told the Chicago Tribune that they are opening up a 30-day public comment period on the conscience protection clause for medical personnel and facilities. After that period of time, the conscience clause will be removed.
Action 1: Contact the White House and tell President Obama his strategy to promote abortion is unacceptable. We oppose FOCA and all attempts to promote radical pro-abortion policies. Tell him you vigorously oppose the overturning of protections for medical staff and facilities to perform or assist with abortions. You demand that the conscience of individuals who oppose abortion be respected.
You can also call or write to the President:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Action 2: It is important to communicate to elected officials of President Obama’s political party that you oppose actions, strategies and policies that promote and increase abortion-on-demand. Furthermore, as a Catholic Christian you demand that your voice be heard by those who have been elected to represent you. Tell them you refuse to be alienated from the political process because you believe in Christ, obey divine law and oppose the destruction of innocent human life by abortion.
Below is a PDF file list of our elected officials from both parties. Since President Obama would be more attentive to those of his own party and its future survival in this country, e-mail, write or call Senator Bayh and those Democrats listed in the Congress. State your views clearly about your opposition to the “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA), the reversal of the Mexico City Policy and expansion of embryonic stem cell research. Emphasize that the new initiative of the President to suppress conscience rights for Christian professionals in the medical field is an outrageous assault on Christians who oppose abortion.
List of Indiana elected officials
On March 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposal to rescind the Bush December 2008 conscience protection regulation. You have until April 9 to submit comments that address why the Bush regulation should not be rescinded.
The National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA), employed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has provided directions on how to submit comments regarding the conscience protection regulation. The NCHLA Web site is an excellent resource that will help you to discuss and respond to this latest assault against Christians. Log on to http://www.nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=271 for specific details on how to address the conscience protection regulation.
The USCCB has also set up a special site with resources on conscience protection that includes a link to the NCHLA Action Center. Log on to www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection for more information.
On other pro-abortion initiatives by the Obama administration, log on to http://www.archindy.org/prolife/files/Newsnotes-MarchApril2009.pdf and read News Notes on the Mexico City Policy, the “Freedom of Choice Act” and embryonic stem research.