February 10, 2012
Responding to an outcry from religious organizations, the Obama administration has revised its controversial mandate forcing faith-based employers to pay for health insurance coverage that includes contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs -- but some pro-life advocates are saying the revision is even worse, LifeNews.com reports. The revised mandate will require religious groups to contract with insurers to offer birth control coverage at no cost; a woman's insurance company "will be required to reach out directly and offer her contraceptive care free of charge. The religious institutions will not have to pay for it," Obama administration officials said. However, pro-life leaders say the new policy still violates freedom of conscience. "This so-called accommodation sounds a hollow gesture," said Al Kresta, host of a syndicated Catholic talk show. "We call on ... all who value freedom of conscience to continue the battle for true conscience protection for religious organizations and individuals."
