HHS Mandate Violates Religious Freedom

Dear Mr. President,

I am very worried about the latest "accommodation" offered by you and the HHS in response to the worries of religious organizations about encroachments on their religious freedom. To me it resembles a money-laundering scheme: if the money goes from us to the insurance companies, and from them to purchase immoral drugs and devices, we still have paid for it.

I teach at a private Catholic school recognized by but not run by our diocese. We teach 350 students and try to encourage them to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our principal and teachers all are very faithful Catholics. If the government does not change this ruling, I am afraid that we will have to stop operating in order to avoid being forced to violating our consciences. Either that or we will have to stop offering health insurance at all, leaving our employees without that vital benefit. I do know that we will never cooperate in a plan that forces us, even indirectly, to pay for contraceptives and abortifacient drugs.

Please rescind the mandate and be willing to allow all citizens, including employers and health providers, to follow their consciences and freely practice their religion.

Sincerely,

Barbara