The purpose of the Respect Life Committee, together with the Archdiocese of Newark and the universal Church, is to raise consciousness, educate and motivate all persons to a reverence for all human life from the moment of conception to natural death and to witness against the "culture of death" that pervades our world. The committee meets once a month. (2nd thursday of a month).
In implementing the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently issued guidelines requiring almost all private health plans to cover contraception and sterilization as "preventive services" for women. On August 3, HHS published an interim final rule that references these guidelines, and allows HRSA to implement a very narrow and inadequate religious exemption. This action poses an unprecedented threat to the religious freedom of individuals and institutions.
Public comment perion on this interim final rules ends September 30, 2011. We urge you to take action and let your comments be heard before September 30. Click the following link to view the Action Alert from the NCHLA HHS Mandate
Please click the following link to read the letter USCCB President Archbishop Timothy Dolan has written to President Obama. It is very well written, and we are reminded to pray for Archbishop Dolan and all our bishops: Defense of Marriage
HOUSE TO VOTE ON PROTECT LIFE ACT
It is anticipated that during the week of October 11, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Protect Life Act, H.R. 358. Congress will observe the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 10, but will be in session Tuesday and the remainder of the week.
An NCHLA Action Alert can be found at:
nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=286.
Representatives should be urged to vote for H.R. 358 and to oppose any hostile weakening amendments.
The Protect Life Act would bring the new health care reform law into line with policies on abortion and conscience rights existing in other federal health programs.
A HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE - based upon Reflections of Blessed John Paul II - click the link for the text of the Holy Hour
Important links:
Dignitas Personae and the Right to Life
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment
The Conference of Catholic Bishops have launched a Health Care Reform website @ www.usccb.org/healthcare.
Pro-Life Activities - Press Release - October 8, 2009
Ministry Contact: Fr. Marek - frmarek@lfbhnj.org
