FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2012

CONTACT: Stephen Phelan 540-622-5270 – SPhelan@hli.org – www.hli.org

Obama Administration Reaffirms Threat to Religious Freedom and to Women's Health

Department of Health and Human Services confirms decision on contraception and sterilization mandate

FRONT ROYAL, Virginia - Human Life International President Father Shenan J. Boquet issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decision to force employer insurance plans to cover harmful contraceptive and abortifacient services. The HHS decision, released on a Friday afternoon, was a confirmation of an earlier interim rule on the contraceptive and sterilization mandate.

"The Obama Administration continued its assault on religious liberty in the United States today with its decision to force employers and employees with religious objections to contraception to pay for such services as 'preventive' medicine. This decision is not only a severe blow to religious liberty, but will open the door to more women being harmed by dangerous forms of contraception that can also destroy unborn life.

"As argued by America's Catholic bishops, the supposed religious exemption President Obama promises is so narrow in scope that the ministry of our Lord Jesus Himself would not be considered 'religious' enough to qualify. Furthermore, the Obama Administration misleads all Americans, and especially women, about any benefit of using and making more available contraceptive services. This decision is most certainly not based on sound science, but is based rather in radical ideology.

"HLI America's team of experts have consistently drawn attention to information over the past few months showing the flaws in the 'science' of the HHS decision and the danger of these services to women and to unborn children. The statement released today by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who considers herself to be a Catholic, almost reads as a cheerleader's call for more women to start using contraceptives despite any harm they may cause, and despite the fact that contraception is a grave moral offense to millions of Americans of faith, particular for faithful Catholics.

"If it was Secretary Sebelius's intent to start a battle between Church and State, on a 'quiet' Friday afternoon with Congress out of session, she has sadly succeeded. This decision will not stand.

"We will continue to pray and advocate for the complete reversal of this decision, and for a greater respect for the religious faithful in the United States. And we stand with our Catholic bishops and all people of faith in opposition to this radical and unjust mandate."

About HLI: Human Life International: For the Glory of God and defense of Life, Faith and Family. Founded in 1981, HLI is the world’s largest international pro-life and pro-family organization, with affiliates and associates in over 100 countries on six continents. www.hli.org

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