UD to keep birth control coverage for employees

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DAYTON — The University of Dayton is sticking to its employee health insurance plan that covers contraceptive care, coverage that has become a hot-button issue as conservative politicians and Catholic bishops decry a federal health care edict they say infringes upon religious freedom.

“Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our institution’s mission, but, in light of the importance of the health of our employees and the prevention of disease, we entered into these plans,” said Teri Rizvi, UD’s associate vice president for communications. “We are not changing our employee health care insurance coverage.”

UD’s employee insurance plan doesn’t cover abortion or abortion-inducing drugs, but does cover contraceptive measures including birth control pills, vasectomies and tubal ligations.

Rizvi said the coverage has been in place for at least 20 years, and UD’s insurers have said they “could not separate out whether prescriptions or procedures are medically necessary or not.”

She said that if the Marianist university were to withdraw contraceptive coverage for its 2,250 eligible employees, even medically necessary care would be denied for coverage.

“The university is aligned with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ position, which supports a balance between health care and religious freedom. Like all Catholic universities, we await further clarification on the federal position.”

UD evaluated its coverage in the wake of controversy over an edict by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring that most employers, including religiously affiliated institutions like Catholic universities, social service agencies and hospitals, cover free contraceptives for women employees as part of health care reform. The rule excludes churches. President Obama modified the rule Friday, saying religious groups don’t have to pay directly for the coverage but insurance companies must provide it.

The compromise hasn’t mollified U.S. bishops who, after initially showing support for it, have renewed efforts to mount legislative and court challenges. The bishops support legislation that would exempt all employers, not just religiously affiliated ones, from covering contraceptives. They say Catholic-owned businesses shouldn’t have to pay for services that violate their owners’ consciences. Abortion, sterilization and the use of contraceptives are contrary to Catholic teachings.

The bishops have found support among GOP leaders, including House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., who has called the federal edict an attack on religious liberty.

But the bishops’ position isn’t universally echoed by Catholic organizations.

“The bishops’ blanket opposition appears to serve the interests of a political agenda, not the needs of the American people,” according to a statement by Catholics United, a nonpartisan social justice group. The group said the bishops are becoming isolated from the institutions most affected by the rule.

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities said it is “encouraged” by Obama’s compromise, but withheld further comment until “critical details” of the federal regulations emerge. The Catholic Health Association said it was “very pleased” with the compromise and looks forward to reviewing the specifics. Catholic Charities USA called it “a step in the right direction.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2264.