Smith Statement On The White House’s Shift On Controversial Contraception Mandate

Washington, DC – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the White House shifted its position on HHS’s government mandate which forces religious-affiliated organizations which offer health insurance to cover the full cost of contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortifacients even if it is a clear violation of their conscience rights:

“The bipartisan outcry across the country reflects the importance of this issue,” said Smith. “Despite today’s actions, this mandate continues to intrude on the Constitutionally protected right to practice one’s religion freely.”

On February 6, 2012, Smith joined a bipartisan group of 153 Members of Congress on a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius opposing the mandate. Smith is also a cosponsor of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179) which would nullify the mandate.

Smith is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.

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