WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, released the following statement on recent problems resulting from President Obama’s healthcare law:

“I am once again reminded why I vehemently opposed the Obama healthcare proposal and why I voted to repeal this legislation. As recent reports have highlighted, this law included a provision that resulted in a requirement that faith-based employers provide health coverage for services contrary to their religious doctrine. 

This attack by the federal government on religious freedom in our country must not stand, and will not stand.  As a senior member of the committee with jurisdiction over this issue, I will be intimately involved in crafting legislation to reverse this rule.”

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Background:

On January 20, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a final rule that would require new and renewed health plans to cover contraceptive services beginning August 1, 2012. Faith-based employers – including charities, schools, universities, and hospitals – would be required to provide coverage for sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and devices, and contraception.