Catholic bishops demand changes to health bill, threatening opposition

Roman Catholic bishops wrote lawmakers Thursday, warning them to change key provisions in health reform legislation, or risk the opposition of the church.

Three key bishops heading up the U.S. Catholic church's healthcare reform efforts said they would have "no choice" but to oppose the bills unless they removed certain provisions on abortion, and include measures to cover the poor, children, and immigrants.

"On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we are writing to express our disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform that we have conveyed previously to Congress," the bishops wrote in an open letter to members of Congress. "If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill."

The bishops -- William Murpohy of Rockville Center, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, and Josh Wester of Salt Lake City -- outlined the conditions for their support, most forcefully on abortion.

Health reform legislation must exclude federal funding for abortions, the bishops said, and adopt language that allows individuals to object to providing abortions because of their consciences.

The bishops also argued that the bill must "make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone," especially the poor, as well as provide "an adequate safety net" to immigrants and others who remain uncovered.

"We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria," the trop said. "However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes."

"If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously," they added.