The following comes from a March 4 story on the website of the Cardinal Newman Society.
California’s coercive abortion mandate—which would force two Catholic universities and other organizations to violate their beliefs and provide health coverage for elective abortions—is still under investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and some are criticizing the administration for taking too much time, according to Washington Examiner.
California’s Department of Managed Health Care under Governor Jerry Brown’s administration announced last August that all health insurance plans must include elective abortions, regardless of moral opposition from religiously-affiliated institutions or organizations. The move provoked backlash, as a religious exemption was not included, thereby affecting many organizations, including the Catholic universities Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount.
Casey Mattox, an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing several of the complainants, reportedly stated: “It’s puzzling it’s taking them six months for them to weigh in at all.” Mattox relayed to Examiner that the HHS Office of Civil Rights informed him of its investigation back in December but that an answer or even a possible timeline for a response has still not been given.
“It is something we take very seriously,” Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell reportedly told the House Appropriations Committee. “We are moving to do that investigation expeditiously.”
In her meeting with congressional panels, Burwell conveyed that the investigators had been asked “to act with ‘due speed’” regarding the complaints against the coercive mandate that had been filed in California, according to the Examiner….
Legal counsel will provide some approaches for the colleges, and should so quickly. Seeking a “mandamus” in federal court, filing a petition for rulemaking under the federal Administrative Procedure Act, are possible avenues for them to take (this is not legal advice). Further, using Congressional Members (which may be a problem in CA) to push decision-making is another strategy.
The point is: this is the Obama Administration. It is the most skilled when it does nothing. The famous “rope-a-dope” approach is not limited to boxing; Obama does is every bit as well as Ali. But, there are ways to force them to move.
Further, Obama always pursues a “double-down” strategy when he is embarrassed, or seriously challenged. If pushed, and a court or agency does act, then Obama is likely to take action on the substance of the issue. In doing so, the Obama Administration then commits itself to a course of action and further legal challenge is possible.
The key is to pursue these approaches actively. (Not legal advise.) Good luck.
In regard to the above issues and the ‘Future’ of the Church in an increasingly hostile and totalitarian Abomination – May I strongly recommend a viewing of the interview with Dr Rice.
It is not only one of the most enjoyable and insightful presentations by a learned and caring Man at the peak of his accomplishments, but also a Man who knows that his time is short and that his Summation is meant for others to hear – and thus be prepared for said future and the demands it will surely make on All Faithful Catholics.
SEE
DR. CHARLES RICE – FINAL UNCUT INTERVIEW
The late Dr. Charles Rice reflects on the state of the culture and the Church.
https://cmtvnews.com/2015/03/04/dr-charles-rice-final-uncut-interview/
OBAMA’s ADMINISTRATION – just lost another law suit regarding forcing Catholic Universities to pay for contraception.
Supreme Court ruled today. 3/9/15
This ruling will trickle down to the nuts and fruits ruling CA. :)
Really MARGARET? Where did SCOTUS rule against contraception coverage today? Please site the case, and please keep the nuts and fruits to yourself.
CERTIORARI — SUMMARY DISPOSITION
14-392 UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME V. BURWELL, SEC. OF H&HS, ET AL.
The petition for a writ of certiorari is granted.
The judgment is vacated,
And the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit for further consideration in light of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
573 U.S.____(2014).
And most of the CA elected Legislators are fruits or nuts.
Which means the case is not over yet.
Something tells me Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount kinda like being pushed around.
Amen Hymie!
They have the option of joining the RETA Trust and self-insure like other California institutions– voila! Completely free from paying for contraceptives, abortions, and IVF. Instead we have this legal shadow boxing.
Here’s hoping’ for a TKO, Father. Cheers.