LCMS responds to birth control mandate
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services enacted a rule in January 2012 under the “Affordable Care Act” requiring employers to provide access to health insurance that covers most forms of birth control, even those that can cause the death of an unborn child. The rule, or mandate, exempts churches but applies to other religious employers. On Feb. 10, President Obama announced an “accommodation” for religious employers, saying they would not have to cover birth control, but that insurance companies would provide free birth control, including “morning after” pills. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) objects to the use of drugs and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception.
Special Event
Heritage Foundation panel discussion on religious liberty: The Heritage Foundation assembled an expert panel on Feb. 27, 2012, to discuss the specific religious liberty violations of the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate requiring religious employers to provide health insurance coverage of abortion-inducing drugs. The five-member panel included Maggie Karner, director of Life and Health Ministries for the LCMS.
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Videos
Harrison Speaks Before House Committee
February 16, 2012
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Thursday, Feb. 16., to discuss the recent U. S. Health and Human Services Ruling regarding contraceptives. On behalf of the LCMS, Harrison spoke to the issue violating citizens’ freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.
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Harrison answers House Committee questions
February 16, 2012
LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison answers questions from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform during its hearing, “Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?" on Feb. 16, 2012.
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LCMS President comments on birth control mandate
February 15, 2012
In response to President Obama’s recent announcement about an “accommodation” to a previous mandate that health plans must cover all forms of birth control, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), says the church remains “deeply concerned.” The LCMS strongly objects to birth control that can work post-conception to cause the death of a developing child.
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Video File | Transcript
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Audio
St. Louis Radio Host Interviews LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison on HHS Ruling
On Friday, Feb. 17, KMOX radio host Charlie Brennan interviewed LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison on his appearance before a House committee regarding the recent HHS mandate on health insurance and its mandatory coverage of contraceptives.
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