Please Urge Your Senators to Oppose S. 2578's Unprecedented Attack on Conscience and Religious Freedom

From Michael Taylor, Executive Director
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment


Recently the U.S. Senate voted on a bill called the "Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act" (S. 2578). The measure is an unprecedented attack on conscience and religious freedom. The vote failed by a narrow margin. You were requested to send follow-up messages, thanking Senators who opposed S. 2578, and urging those who supported the bill to reconsider their position. Thanks to all who responded!

But more action is needed. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) preserved the right to have the Senate vote on this measure again. Congress is now in its summer recess until September 8. Senators will be present in their home states. Please use this opportunity for additional follow-up contacts, especially to Senators who have expressed support for S. 2578.

If you have not yet sent a follow-up e-mail, please do so today! Click on this link to send your message.

In addition to sending e-mail, you could consider taking other actions, including the following:

• Contact your Senators by phone. Information for calling Senators' local offices can be found on their websites at: www.senate.gov. Or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121. 
• Send letters-to-the-editor to local papers. 
• Attend town meetings. Informally meet your Senators at county fairs or other such public events. 
• Participate in TV and radio call-in shows. 

Thanks for whatever you are able to do in communicating with your Senators.

The HHS contraceptive mandate requires health plans to cover all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives (such as the IUD, Depo-Provera, "morning-after" pills, and the abortion-inducing drug Ella), female sterilization, and "counseling and education" promoting these to women and minor girls. It allows only a very narrow religious exemption, chiefly for "houses of worship." Nonprofit religious groups serving the vulnerable receive only an "accommodation" requiring them to authorize their insurer or third-party administrator to provide the objectionable items.

In its Hobby Lobby decision, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the HHS mandate as applied to closely held for-profit corporations with a religious objection violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Introduced in reaction against the decision, S. 2578 ranges very broadly. The bill negates any right that employers, insurers employees, or private individuals may have, under RFRA or any other federal law, to opt out of federally mandated coverage for any item.

For a fact sheet analyzing S. 2578, visit the USCCB website here.