Department of Health and Human Services

Facts of the Case

The Department of Health and Human Services under the president-ship of Barack Obama, has enacted a Federal law that requires all employers, including institutions under the management of religious organizations to provide free health and insurance coverage that includes unrestricted access to prevention services. The interim rule takes effect in August 2012 for most of the employers; however religious institutions may request an extension of one year. The law, which is known as the Affordable Care Act, requires health insurance plans for employees including preventive services at no additional cost. These services include family planning and free distribution of contraceptives like condoms and pills.

The rule also covers affiliated organizations, universities, hospitals and charitable organizations, administered by the Catholic Church.

Who is protesting this mandate and Why? Do not forget to include supporting parties.

The Catholic Church in the US defines birth prevention and control techniques as a sin against divine law and destruction of the society; therefore the U.S. bishops have united in fighting the Department of Health and Human Services' regulation as an infringement on religious liberty (Tobin, p. 1). Despite that the Catholic Church has flatly rejected this measure, many Catholic women in the U.S. practice modern methods of birth control. A recent survey provides enough evidence and shows that a majority in the Catholic community supports this law.

Other religious authorities claim that this is a blatant affront to the Constitution which guarantees freedom of worship. Nevertheless, the Obama administration is asserting a willingness to work with Catholic institutions to implement the regulations without any compromise on the teachings of the church.

Carol Keehan, the President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association (CHA), who has previously advocated Obama's health care reform showed ardent disappointment and regarded the issue as a challenge for many groups. He further elaborated that CHA will be working directly with the Conference of Catholic Bishops (United States) and other related agencies to resolve the issue.

This move has been taken as a religious war waged by Obama administration. Many religious authorities are emphasizing on the historical account of US, which has always respected the role of religions; therefore promoting a need for an effective national conversation.

As a mode of protest, bishops had already sent letters to different parishes, criticizing the measure of Barack Obama and urging the issue to be read during the Mass to the parishioners.

Interestingly, there ...