When a change is not a change

HHS mandate changes protect only 'a few more ministries'

The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seen in Washington in this file photo.
CNS photo / Nancy Phelan Wiechec.

Catholic News Agency says legal analysts are warning that the government's new proposals on the HHS mandate do little to expand religious freedom protections for employers that object to it.

"This unilateral redefinition of religious freedom undermines the sanctity of religious freedom for all people," said legal expert Brian Walsh, "even those who are not affected and have no objection to these products and services."

On Feb. 1, the Obama administration announced its intent to modify the federal contraception mandate, which requires employers to offer health insurance coverage of contraception, including some drugs that can cause early abortions, and sterilization.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.