Resources for the National Effort on Health Care Reform

Since October, November, and January when diocesan and parish leaders were asked by the U.S. Bishops’ Conference to distribute two consecutive Nationwide Bulletin Inserts on health care reform, the following has occurred:

• The U.S. House passed health care reform that reaffirms the policy against using federal funds for elective abortion coverage.
• The U.S. Senate has rejected this policy and passed health care reform that requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective abortions. All purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people’s abortions through a separate payment solely to pay for abortion.
• These two bills are being combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote on in final form.

Catholics need to make their voices heard insisting that health care reform protect the lives, dignity, consciences and health of all. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of immigrants’ access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care reform bill. Unless and until these criteria are met, the final bill must be opposed.

The U.S. bishops have asked that the updated attached USCCB Nationwide Bulletin Insert on health care reform continue to be printed or hand-stuffed in every parish bulletin and/or distributed in churches. Final House and Senate votes may take place soon.

Also included are suggested Pulpit Announcements and a Prayer Petition. Please encourage parishioners to pray for this effort as well. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/healthcare.

Thank you for your urgent actions and prayers on behalf of this nationwide effort!

• English Bulletin Insert Updated on 3/11/10
• Spanish Bulletin Insert Updated on 3/11/10
• Pulpit Announcment and Prayers Updated on 3/16/10
• Spanish Pulpit Announcment and Prayers Updated on 3/16/10

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