Reader decries HHS mandate as unconstitutional

The US Department of Health and Human Services has issued a mandate for the coverage of sterilization and contraceptives (including long-lasting injections and "morning after pills that may cause abortions") in virtually all private health plans. This includes churches and religious organizations. It's not simply birth control. HHS has reaffirmed its mandate while deferring enforcement until August 2013.

As a lifelong, practicing Catholic, I resent the US government trying to dictate that we, as a Church, violate our religious principles. Religious institutions are established because of religious beliefs and convictions. Such include not only churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other places of worship, but also schools and colleges, shelters and community kitchens, and adoption agencies and hospitals that exist to put our religious beliefs into practice. We in the Catholic Church don't ask the religious preference of those using the services and offer services to all, as all are children of God in our opinion. This HHS ruling is a violation of our religious freedom, as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, Establishment clause. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are "shall not's" to the government, They, our government, shall not dictate what our religious beliefs may be. Fourteen lawsuits have been filed concerning this HHS dictate by dioceses of the Catholic Church. Many other religions, though not in total agreement with our principles, feel this edict is a violation of the separation of Church and State, and agree with us.

Birth control is a separate issue to our members - a personal decision between them and their Savior. To make this insurance ruling an issue of birth control and war against women is a farce! Birth control is readily available and reasonable, at little or no cost.

Some have asked, if this is not overturned, will the Catholic Church close all its hospitals, such as Providence Sacred Heart, St. Luke's Rehab, and Children's Hospital in Spokane, rather than violate our principles? The answer is yes! And schools and organizations of charity. This is a matter of principle. There are Catholics throughout the world being killed for their faith now, as there have been for 20 centuries.

Ours is a religious decision not involved with any political issues. Please let your Congress and Senate know that this is a serious issue of separation of Church and State. We are not forcing our morals on others, nor are we willing to accept theirs.

Jim Weltzel

Ephrata, WA