Washington D.C., Aug 4, 2011 / 15:44 pm
Catholic attorney and writer Mary Hasson recently discussed a new federal mandate that employers’ health care plans must cover contraceptives and sterilizations.
In her column, Hasson writes:
“Yay! Free sex!”
So read the Facebook status update posted by “Cheri,” a 20-something, sexually active, single woman.
The occasion?
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation that contraceptives and sterilization procedures should be covered by insurers as preventive care—with no co-pay or costs to hip young women like Cheri.
Cheri must have lifted her glass in toast to the Department of Health and Human Services a few days later when, with uncharacteristic speed, they issued new regulations implementing the IOM recommendation. The new mandate (effective in 2012) compels insurers to cover costs associated with FDA-approved contraceptives and sterilization procedures (fittings, devices, pills, emergency contraception, office visits) and counseling—at no cost to patients.
Despite Cheri’s lusty visions of “free,” sexual delight, the new regulations portend bad news for women – low-income women in particular – and for religious believers.
Hasson's column can be read at: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/cw/post.php?id=574