US Catholic Bishops Lead Fight for Healthcare and Religious Freedom

I would rather be confined to a wheelchair or bed than go against my conscience if put in that unsavory position

Certainly, we have all heard about the 'Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act' also known as Obama Care, that reportedly will provide affordable basic health care to all American citizens. But do we really know the toll it threatens to take on Christian Religious Freedom, and on those that are in most need of health care among us? Perhaps it is time to take a closer, fresh look at this highly charged, impending 'Health care reform."

P>BALTIMORE,MD (Catholic Online) - Catholic Bishops, advocating for all American Christian's and their fundamental human rights, along with conservative politicians, are working feverishly together, in tandem, to defund and derail current efforts to move ahead with President Obama's Health and Human Services Mandate (HHS Mandate).

That is because many vitally important concerns persist.

In fact, US Catholic Bishops in opposition to the mandate are preparing to gather and meet at the Bishops plenary on November 11-14, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Specifically, among the far-reaching concerns that the Catholic Bishops have, is the loss of Religious Freedom and loss of Freedom of Conscience that comes with governmental implementation of Obama Care, through the HHS Mandate. When implemented fully, this mandate poses a real and credible religious threat to Christian businesses that will be forced to offer abortion and the morning after pill, among other things, to their employees or face penalties or even closure.

Catholic hospitals, for instance, will be especially at risk, as they will likely be forced to offer abortion services, against Judeo-Christian mandate found in the 10 Commandments, 'Thou shall not kill,' or close. Additionally, employers will be forced to pay for such controversial services for others, again, posing a threat to religious freedom and conscience.

Governmental Profiling of Catholics

Recent reports already indicate that the IRS may have been monitoring Catholics for the Obama Administration for their outspokenness. Imagine going before one of this administrations cost-saving 'death panels' to be evaluated for much needed health care when you are already the focus of a governmental investigation.

In today's political climate, it could easily happen to you or a loved one just because you are a believing, Catholic Christian. Now imagine being refused medical care because you are 55 years old, in poor health, require expensive treatments, and some bureaucrat said you did not meet criteria.

Recent news reports indicate that the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, will also likely be in charge/control of handling all your medical records-Clearly, it is a grave conflict of interest for the IRS to control both, your income taxes and your health care. Your income could even be garnished because of your health care needs.

And just beyond this health care quagmire looms the next great challenge: Fetal and Embryonic Stem Cell Medicine.

Upcoming: The Embryonic Stem Cell Dilemma

Biotech medicine, or human stem cell medicine looms large on the horizon, as well. Adult or placental stem cells, not the product of abortion, are one thing. But imagine being faced with possible governmental repercussions for not accepting fetal or embryonic stem cells for a serious illness or disability? Would you be allowed other medical treatment if you had to turn such stem cells down for religious/conscientious reasons? Would your other treatment(s) be covered?

This scenario for me is not hypothetical, as I have thought this through again and again. Though I live with a progressive neuro-muscular disease, am on a respirator 14-16 hours per day, walk with a walker, and am speech impaired when fatigued and during exacerbations, I would not personally be willing to accept any fetal or embryonic stem cells as they are the products of abortion, because procured abortion is murder, which is against the 10 Commandments. I would rather be confined to a wheelchair or bed than go against my conscience if put in that unsavory position.

This country was established on good, sound Christian values. In God we trust. It is time for US Christians and all American people, men and women with conscience, to stand up for Religious Freedom, while we still can. Our nation needs you to speak up for what is good and right and true while there is still time, and to pray for our leaders, as well.

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Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN is a Health & Wellness Contributor to Catholic Online

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