The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have a new insert for bulletins that urges Catholics to contact Congress now about healthcare reform legislation.

As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro-abortion agenda in our country.

It’s very heartening to see the Bishops take such a powerful stance against the healthcare reform legislation and government funding of abortion. This bill, if passed, will be the largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade. The Bishops know it and want all Catholics in this country to know it.

MESSAGE—HOUSE:

“I am pleased that the House health care bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion. I urge you to work to uphold essential provisions against abortion funding, to include full conscience protection and to assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill.”

MESSAGE—SENATE:

“I am deeply disappointed that the Senate health care bill fails to maintain the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate protection for conscience. I urge you to support essential provisions against abortion funding, similar to those in the House bill. Include full conscience protection and assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill.”

WHEN: Votes in the House and Senate on the final bill are expected in January. Act today! Thank You!

Here's the full bulletin insert: http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/UPDATED-bulletin-insert.pdf