Chaput on Conscience and Contraception

Archbishop Chaput, of Denver, has an excellent op-ed in the Denver Post, explaining and defending the Church's position with respect to "conscience clauses", Catholic hospitals, and state-law mandates regarding the provision of contraception.

State Rep. Fran Coleman recently criticized the Catholic Church for "preaching" to her because, although she is Catholic, she represents people of all faiths. She took issue with Catholic resistance to portions of HB 1042, which would require hospitals in the state to provide emergency contraception for women who are raped. . . .  At a minimum, Catholic hospitals - which provide their services based on moral and religious convictions about the dignity of the human person - should not be obligated to perform or refer for procedures which violate Catholic teaching. This doesn't involve "preaching" to anybody. It involves fidelity to principle and conscience - the same principles and conscience that animate Catholic service to the poor.

Rick