Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human services issued a rule requiring virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, female sterilization procedures and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." This is considered a direct assault on Freedom of Conscience and the free exercise of religion through the First Amendment.

To better understand the rule and what's at stake, check out this press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, this backgrounder and these questions and answers. In addition, here is a video message from Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the USCCB, in which he explains the situation.

Updates will be posted on Catholic Charities Social Justice Consortium webpage.