WASHINGTON (February 9) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today defended the conscience rights of religious-affiliated institutions threatened by a federal regulation issued under Obamacare.

            Bachus signed a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius protesting a mandate that religious-oriented providers including hospitals, schools, and charities supply coverage for abortion-related drugs and contraceptives in violation of their beliefs.

            “This is about protecting religious freedom. From our founding, America has always respected conscience rights. The Obama Administration does not have the right to force anyone to violate their religious and moral beliefs in the name of furthering government-run health care,” said Congressman Bachus, who is a cosponsor of H.R. 1179, the Respect for Conscience Rights Act.

            According to the letter, the decision “is an unprecedented overreach by the federal government that infringes upon rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. This decision will also violate the conscience rights of those who, for moral or religious reasons, oppose abortion.”

The letter calls on Secretary Sebelius to suspend the regulation. Legislation to address the regulation will be brought under consideration in the House with Bachus’ support.

To view a copy of the letter, click here.