The New Bishop of the Fresno Diocese Armando Ochoa is still settling into his new role, but he's taking a firm stance against a new health insurance policy rolled out by the Obama Administration.
The Bishop is one in a growing number of Catholics speaking out against the policy. It requires all Catholic employers to cover contraception and abortion as part of preventative care. He told 17 News he would put his fist down against government policy forcing all employers, including religiously affiliated schools and hospitals, to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives.
"We're standing up for what we believe in," said Bishop Ochoa. "But, I'm saying you've got to put your money where your mouth is, and that's what we as Catholic Christians are going to do."
Some Republican leaders are also voicing concern.
"I think this mandate violates our Constitution," said Rep. John Boehner, House Speaker. "I think it violates the rights of these religious organizations, and I would hope the administration would back up and take another look at this."
In 2008, 54% of Catholics who voted, voted for President Obama. Steve Schneck, a professor at Catholic University who has advised President Obama in the past, calls the new contraception policy a misstep that might backfire this political year.
"I'm seeing in the pews something that's waking up," said Schneck. "A little sense of Catholic solidarity that I think could very well carry over into their political activities."
"It's going to force us into a pocket, but if we have to evoke the conscience clause, I'm right there," said Bishop Ochoa. "If we're going to be penalized, so be it. But, we are going to do everything we can to support our health care professionals in following our ethical guidelines for, not only the Diocese in Fresno and our two Catholic hospitals, but nationwide."
The new policy takes effect August 1st. However, religious groups who oppose contraception have been given a year long extension to enforce the policy.
