Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., is co-sponsoring the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, which, if passed, will grant religious exemptions to Obamacare, according to the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The current law requires hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions that are affiliated with religions to cover contraception and sterilization services as part of their health plans or face a federal fine.
The mandate has met with criticism not only from those opposed to President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, but also from religious leaders.
“This mandate effectively had the government telling us how we must practice — or not practice — our faith,” said Bishop David Zubick of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., first introduced the Respect for Rights Bill in August. The plan now has 21 co-sponsors, 20 of whom are Republicans.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is reviewing the bill.