 THE RESPECT LIFE OFFICE offers advocacy, education, and outreach in pro-life areas; in particular, in the areas of chastity, abortion and euthanasia. Most of the parishes have a pro-life coordinator, and through them, many in our diocese are involved in educational programs, in caring for those facing pregnancy in difficult life situations and other challenges, and in working for appropriate laws to protect the lives of the unborn, the elderly, and other lives at risk.
The Respect Life Office endorses the following crisis pregnancy centers located in the Diocese of Joliet: Birthright (Joliet and Kankakee), Woman's Choice Services (Lombard and Crest Hill) , Waterleaf Women's Center (Aurora) and Catholic Charities Maternity & Adoption Services (serving the seven counties of the Diocese of Joliet). We support a prayerful, respectful, and lawful witness at local abortion clinics. The Diocese sponsors Rachel's Vineyard Retreats for post-abortive women and men two times per year. Call 1-866-99-4-GIVE for more information.
ACTION ALERT
Urge Co-sponsorship of Respect for Rights of Conscience Act
On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed the rule first issued last August that virtually all private health care plans must cover sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception. Non-profit religious employers that do not now provide such coverage, and are not exempt under the rule’s extremely narrow definition of religious employer, are given one year to comply.
Responding to the announcement, Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated: “In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences.” The Obama administration “has now drawn an unprecedented line in the sand.” Cardinal-designate Dolan urged that the HHS mandate be overturned. See: www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-012.cfm.
A first step is to continue to urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system “retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.” NCHLA’s Action Alert on this bill has been updated. Please see: nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=292.
For co-sponsors, please check H.R. 1179 and S. 1467 at: thomas.loc.gov.
For more information related to the HHS mandate, see: www.usccb.org/conscience.
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