RICHMOND, Va (WTVR)- Richmond’s Catholic Bishop said the federal government has crossed religious lines and called the new federal healthcare policy morally wrong.
The Catholic Church is currently at battle with the feds over President Barack Obama desire to have all employers offer employees health insurance that covered contraception and abortion. Both are against Catholic teachings.
“It’s a violation of our religious freedom,” said Steve Neill, Spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.
Neill told CBS 6, its leadership is furious.
Bishop of Richmond, Francis DiLorenzo released a letter, calling on all 700,000 Catholics of Virginia to stand against the federal government.
“We can not and will not comply with this unjust law,” said Bishop DiLorenzo.
“We're not going to stop birth control from being offered, but, we don't want to pay for it,” said Neill.
White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney said the decision was made after very careful consideration and believes this proposal respects religious beliefs.
Almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned and nearly half of those end in abortion according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The White House said this measure will reduce the number of abortions needed.
