Third District Congressman Steve Womack released the below statement regarding the Obama Administration’s decisions over the contraceptives coverage ruling on faith based institutions and the announced “accomodation” Friday morning.

Congressman Womack is a cosponsor of H.R. 1179, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, which would repeal the egregious mandate.

    “This decision by the Obama Administration was an affront to the core beliefs of most Americans—time honored protections afforded by the Constitution regarding religious freedom.”

    “By walking back his original decision with today’s ‘accommodation’, the President is admitting he was wrong and trying to salvage votes.  It remains a concern to me that he envisions a federal government with more control of our lives.  Buyer, beware!”

BACKGROUND: The contraceptives coverage mandate was part of President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) which he signed into law on March 23, 2010. This mandate, in its original form, forces religious-affiliated organizations and institutions (universities, hospitals, etc.) that provide health insurance for their employees to also cover contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacients regardless of their religious beliefs.

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