New rules: Health insurers must offer women free birth control

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
8/3/2011
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

New guidelines vehemently opposed by Pro-Life groups

Under historic new guidelines from the Obama administration, U.S. health insurance companies must now offer women free birth control and other allegedly 'preventive' health care services. The decision is being wholeheartedly supported by family planning groups while receiving strident opposition from Pro-Life groups including the Catholic Church.

The U.S. Institute of Medicine report, commissioned by the Obama administration, recommended that all U.S.-approved birth control methods, which include the 'morning-after pill,' taken shortly after intercourse to allegedly 'stop' a pregnancy will shortly be added to the list of preventive health services.However, the pill is an abortifacient.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Health and Human Services Department says the new rule is part of the nation's healthcare overhaul. Under the new guidelines, no co-pays would be required.

The U.S. Institute of Medicine report, commissioned by the Obama administration, recommended that all U.S.-approved birth control methods, which include the "morning-after pill," taken shortly after intercourse, allegedly to "stop" a pregnancy, will shortly be added to the list of preventive health services.This pill is an abortifacient.

Pro-Life Americans and religious groups have protested the use of taxpayer money to cover birth control, especially the "morning-after pill" which is an abortifacient, resulting in the killing of embryonic life.

The guidelines, currently in effect require insurers to provide free coverage of preventive care services for women in all new plans as of August 2012.

"These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement.

However, the HHS added an amendment allowing religious institutions to choose whether to cover contraception services in their insurance. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had urged the HHS to exclude birth control as a service.

As in many other instances under this administrations claims to be concerned for religious liberty, the amendment is being roundly condemned as ineffective. The new requirement will be the subject of Court challenges.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Planned Parenthood have welcomed the new guidelines. Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of abortions in the world.

"Eliminating cost sharing for these crucial preventive services will make needed care more accessible and will improve the health of millions of women," Iowa Democratic Senator Tom Harkin said.

The health department's guidelines free screening for gestational diabetes, testing for human papillomavirus in women over 30, counseling for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, lactation counseling, screening for domestic violence and yearly wellness visits.

A Thomson Reuters/NPR survey in May found 76.6 percent of respondents believe private insurance plans, without government assistance, should cover some or all costs associated with birth control pills. Of course, may Americans do not know the truth concerning the so called 'morning after pill'.

The Catholic Church, and many other Christian groups, have strongly condemned the unilateral action of the Administration as an affront to religious liberty and a threat to human life.

� 2011, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Birth control, morning after pill, guidelines, health insurers

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1 - 5 of 5 Comments

John D
1 year ago
I suppose our Ivy League "educated" president hasn't learned about the terrible demographic problems in Europe and in many other places around the world - due specifically to ramapant artificial contraception and abortion. The US demographics aren't looking too good either with numerous states showing drops in the numbers of children under age 15. But, these facts will not stop well meaning catholics from voting for this fellow, becuase he's for the "little guys" - and I don't mean unborn children killed in the wombs. Read about Europe's problems here, but know that the problem is not limited to Europe. It is global. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/magazine/29Birth-t.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=June%2029,%202008&st=cse
Mary42
1 year ago
Mikem, rest assured The United States Catholic Bishops and the Universal Catholic Church WILL PROTEST, AND PROTEST VERY VEHEMENTLY. But my dear Americans, you elected the High Priest of Lucifer. And he promised you he will bring about CHANGE YOU CAN SEE!!!!. And truly you are seeing the CHANGE he had in mind. WHOLESALE INFANTICIDE... And yes, Trish, it is the most intensive and evil Population Control. Let the entire Christian Fraternity worldwide protest and intensify Prayers for your Beloved Country and all the other countries under the dictatorial influence of the Obama Government, including my motherland, Kenya.
Jacqui
1 year ago
As the former governer of the state in which I live, Sebelius proved over and over that in spite of her Catholic upbringing she is no friend of life nor of the people she would force to pay for womens' "choices".
While most of Kansas is glad to be rid of her, it is a shame she can now inflict so much evil on the rest of the nation.
Obviously, Obama picked her both for her pro-choice stance and her insistance on identifying herself as Catholic.
Trish
1 year ago
The issue of the Church's teachings on contraception aside, this is a blatant attempt at population control.
mikem
1 year ago
this is an act of war. it is not a shot across the bow. it is a torpedo midships!
ALL HANDS ON DECK! Catholics have drawn several lines in the sand, and the government has crossed them all. The NEXT step the government will take is to toss the Catholic tax exemption, and THEN declare it a terrorist organization. The United States Catholic Bishops have not as yet responded. The Pro-Life Committee of the U.S.Bishops Conference made a statement deplore this new hostile action meant to close down all Roman Catholic services except the actual churches themselves....and in Ireland the Confessional seal is under attack inside the church. I do not like being a chronicler of the final persecution. BUT OBAMA must be impeached, or not reelected.
TOO BAD he is just going to have his followers STEAL the election because the votes are not secured. Secure the votes! Throw the bum out. The bishops need to hit the street ! We are under direct attack by the Obama administration...Can YOU SEE THAT NOW?

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