The current health care reform bill is “deficient” and should not move forward without “essential changes,” the chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said December 22.

The U.S. bishops November 7 urged members of the House of Representatives to vote for an anti-abortion amendment to the health care reform bill now being considered. “The Stupak-Ellsworth-Pitts-Kaptur-Dahlkemper-Lipinski-Smith Amendment will keep in place current federal law on

Congress is preparing to debate health care reform legislation. The Catholic bishops of the United States strongly support genuine health care reform that protects the life and dignity of all, from the moment of conception until natural death. However, all current bills are seriously

A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found widespread public opposition to including abortion in health care reform and majority support for conscience rights protection – views shared by those who favor efforts to pass

As the health care reform debate continues many people are asking provocative questions.  They should.  Health care reform deserves an in depth, open minded and civil discussion of all points of view. Two questions Catholics might consider: Why should we worry about health care; and w

William Batz, who has a doctorate in philosophy and is the secretary for social concerns at the Diocese of Pittsburgh, recently answered questions from the Pittsburgh Catholic on the Obama administration's announcement that it would begin a process to rescind Health and Human Services

Members of the current Congress have signaled an interest in soon introducing legislation, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). That bill, if like S.B. 1173 and H.R. 1964 introduced during the 100th Congress, will establish the right to abortion as a “fundamental right” by el

This time of year, it is fitting to look back – to check the mirrors, so to speak, before looking ahead.In 2007, these issues grabbed headlines. Health Care Perhaps the most emotionally charged issue of 2007 was HB 288, the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act. The

Each year in July, we get a day off to celebrate our country – the land of the free and home of the brave; but what is freedom? In particular, what is religious freedom? When asked this question, most of us think of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights of the United States

In Harrisburg, a legislative mandate for hospitals to provide emergency contraception (EC) to victims of sexual assault is being considered. This drug treatment is confusing. How does it work? Where does the Catholic Church stand? Why should citizens care? EC is a high dose of birth c