Joliet bishop hits White House over birth control
The Associated Press February 2, 2012 11:48AM
Bishop R. Daniel Conlon walks toward the church during the procession for the installation of Conlon as head of the Joliet Diocese at the Cathedral of St. Raymond on Thursday, July 14, 2011, in Joliet, Ill. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 2, 2012 1:34PM
JOLIET - The Roman Catholic bishop of Joliet is criticizing the Obama administration’s requirement that religious-based health care, educational and charity institutions employing and serving non-Catholics must pay for “all FDA-approved forms of contraception” for employees.
Bishop Daniel Conlon acknowledged that many Catholics dissent from the church’s teaching on artificial contraception, elective sterilization and abortion. But he says the rules going into effect next year breach the separation between church and state.
Conlon makes that assertion in a letter to be read before all Masses on Saturday and Sunday.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requirement was issued on a recommendation by an arm of the National Academy of Sciences. The academy says access to birth control improves maternal and infant mortality rates.
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