HHS Ruling on Contraceptive Coverage

Two weeks ago, President Obama signed off on Health and Human Services ruling that could cost him the election.  In a move that has Catholics outraged across America, President Obama consented to a mandate that states under the new healthcare system, Catholic institutions will be required to provide and pay for abortificients, contraception, and sterilization.  

We’re all wondering to ourselves why the President would agree to a decision that blatantly violates Church teaching, and arguably the First Amendment.  Reelection is the first priority in his mind, but his actions indicate otherwise.  In 2008, President Obama won the Catholic vote 54% to 45%.  More significantly, there are 77.7 million Catholics in the United States, a number that comprises 27% of the electorate.  

The Affordable Care Act, popularized as Obamacare, would not exist without Catholic Health Association President Sister Carol Keehan.  She endured criticisms from hundreds of bishops for supporting the legislation when it was passed in 2010.  She maintained, correctly at the time, that the bill would not fund abortions or contraceptions of any kind because this is what the President of the United States told her.  It turns out she was wrong.

There are 620 Catholic hospitals across the country, an amount that accounts for 12.4% of America’s 5,010 hospitals.  They provide 15% of hospital beds in the country, and handle 15.7% of total patient visits.  There are 6,980 Catholic elementary and secondary schools in America.  Catholic social services serve the poor and those in needs, strengthen individuals and families, and are a strong advocate for social justice in communities.  Without question, Catholic institutions matter to the health, education, and well-being of Americans.

So why would the Department of Health and Human Services and President Obama force 27% of the electorate to go against their beliefs?  Is it secularist arrogance or mere political ineptness?  Churches are exempt from this ruling, but church-run schools, hospitals, and social service agencies are not.

Again, Mr. Obama should not expect to win the Catholic vote in November after this decision.  New York Cardinal-elect Timothy Dolan and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo have spearheaded an effort to oppose the ruling at Catholic Churches across the country.  The timing of the ruling makes you wonder as well--the Obama administration announced its decision just three days before the annual March for Life in Washington D.C.