WASHINGTON - For the first time in our nation's history, the federal government will force religious institutions to facilitate drugs and procedures contrary to our moral teaching.  The troubling Health and Human Services (HHS) coercive mandate requires almost all private health plans to cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs. And it will purport to define which religious institutions are "religious enough" to merit an exemption.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been working to develop a series of bulletin inserts to address a wide range of issues from our concerns over religious liberty to the Church's teaching on sexuality and openness to new human life. 

The first insert is now available for distribution from the end of April through the end of May. The focus is on "Religious Liberty, the Most Cherished of American Freedoms," [Spanish] and it encourages parishioners to send an email message to HHS during the limited comment period announced by the Administration.

• NEW! bulletin insert 
• Order the "Prayer for Religious Liberty" card
• March 14th statement on religious liberty
• More resources on our conscience protection page.

The 2011 to 2012 Respect Life Program continues throughout the year with the theme "I Came So That All Might Have Life, and Have It to the Full."   

 This month's featured article is "To the End of Our Days." How we deal with persons in the last stages of life says a great deal about the kind of society we live in and the kind of persons we are. Read it and check out more resources on end of life issues.

In addition to the eight pamphlets in the new "Life Matters" series, the packets also include a liturgy guide, clip art, bulletin inserts and more information for your parish or organization. Spread the Gospel of Life by ordering packets or packet items separately. Order materials online or call toll-free (866) 582-0943.

People of Life is the pro-life

action campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our mission is to promote respect and legal protection for

all human life, from conception to natural death.

Become a member, e-mail

People of Life or visit here.  

Mary McClusky has been Special Projects Coordinator at the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities for the past ten years. Her duties include special outreach, event planning and spreading the news about the Secretariat's work through the People of Life action campaign: "Our staff serves the bishops in spreading the Gospel of Life in so many wonderful ways. It's an honor to work with such amazing people in service to the Church and the pro-life message." She has a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Human Life Studies from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is currently working on her M.A. in Theology at Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, CT.  Mary lives with her husband in Virginia, and is the proud aunt of 34 nieces and nephews.

• April 29 - World Day of Prayer for Vocations
• May 13 - Mothers' Day
• May 20 - World Day of Communications 

Save the Date! - October 7th

Respect Life Sunday

• Catch the latest, join in the conversation, and help spread the word! "Like" our "People of Life" and "United States Conference of Catholics Bishops" Facebook pages.