For those in WI...Please read the whole thing before you decide

OPPOSE CONTRACEPTION MANDATES IN THE STATE BUDGET

Help defend Catholic institutions and religious liberty!

Tell your legislators you oppose new contraceptive mandates in the state budget.

BACKGROUND

The current state biennial budget bill, Assembly Bill 75, was recently amended to include a provision that would mandate that pharmacies, including Catholic pharmacies, have a duty to dispense prescribed contraceptive drugs or devices to a patient without delay.

The state budget bill now also includes a provision that would require many entities, including Catholic institutions, to offer contraceptive coverage as part of their employee health insurance policy. This provision would require health plans purchased by Catholic dioceses and agencies to provide coverage for prescribed contraceptives, and the outpatient services necessary to administer those items.

ACTION REQUESTED

Write or call your legislators now!

Make the following points about these two provisions:

Oppose the Mandate for Health Insurance Policies to Cover Contraceptive Services

- As drafted, the budget would compel Catholic institutions to purchase health care plans that would help pay for contraceptives, including those contraceptives that have an abortifacient effect. This is in direct opposition to the religious identity and values of Catholic institutions.

-As Catholics, we do not believe people of faith should have to choose between their beliefs and their desire to be generous employers.

- Most health care plans in that state already cover contraceptives. This provision unfairly targets those religious and other charitable organizations that provide services to their community based on a mission of faith.

Oppose the Pharmacy "Duty to Dispense" Requirement for Contraceptives

- Catholic pharmacies do not dispense prescriptions for the purpose of birth control.

- At the same time, Catholic providers do stock and dispense hormonal contraceptives because this medication is prescribed for non-contraceptive reasons to manage other medical conditions.

- In Wisconsin, a nurse can also dispense contraception in a clinical setting. Therefore, those who wish to gain access to contraceptives need not rely upon religious providers for access to those medications.

State statute should not compel religious institutions to engage in activities contrary to their faith. These provisions will have little effect on the average person's ability to access contraception in Wisconsin. However, these provisions pose a significant threat to religious liberty and will have the effect of forcing some citizens to act contrary to their religious beliefs.

To find out who your legislators are, visit the WCC E-Advocacy website. http://capwiz.com/wisconsin_nasccd/directory/statedir.tt?state=WI&lvl=state&action=myreps_form