More Lies... Sebelius Didn't Consult Bishops on Contraception Deal

By Jennifer Corbett Dooren
February 15, 2012
WSJ:

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday that she didn’t consult with Catholic bishops before the Obama administration announced a change in its contraceptive coverage largely meant to appease the bishops.

What role, if any, the Catholic Church played in reshaping the policy has gotten heavy attention since President Barack Obama announced the deal Friday. The compromise requires religious employers like schools and charities to offer contraception in employee health plans but wouldn’t require them to pay for it, instead shifting the costs to health-insurance providers.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the loudest critic of the insurance requirement since the administration proposed its first version last year, remains opposed to the coverage mandate.

In a budget hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R., Utah) asked Ms. Sebelius whether she contacted the bishops on the issue. “I know that the president has spoken to the bishops on several occasions,” she said. However, Ms. Sebelius said she did not know if the White House contacted the bishops before the changes in the contraception rule were solidified. The bishops said over the weekend that the administration didn’t consult them in crafting the new policy.

Mr. Hatch then asked if other groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood were informed of the contraception coverage rule and compromise.

“I know numerous conversations were had with religious leaders, insurers…stakeholders,” Ms. Sebelius said. “I assume some of those groups were talked to.”

Mr. Hatch said he thinks all religious institutions should be exempt from the contraceptive coverage rule.