The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an unprecedented ruling that confirmed that virtually all private health plans will be required to include coverage for sterilizations and contraceptives, including abortion-inducing drugs. In spite of many appeals, the Administration refused to broaden the religious exemption in these rules – an exemption limited to groups that hire and serve people primarily of their own faith. In other words, most churches and church-run institutions do not qualify because of their very openness in serving the common good of society and all people regardless of creed.

Please read this urgent letter from Bishop Ricken by clicking here!

The link to the website he references is here: www.usccb.org/conscience