U.S. Bishops Criticize Biden Rule Forcing Employers to Offer Abortion Leave

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has strongly condemned a new rule issued by the Biden administration that requires employers to provide leave for employees seeking abortions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently changed federal regulations regarding pregnant workers' fairness, mandating that employers make 'reasonable accommodations,' including granting leave, for workers to obtain abortions.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades, chairman of the USCCB's Committee for Religious Liberty, argued that the rule violates the consciences of pro-life employers by forcing them to facilitate abortions. "No employer should be compelled to participate in an employee's decision to end the life of their child," Rhoades stated. The USCCB had previously supported the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) but expressed concerns that it could be used to compel employers to pay for abortion expenses.

The USCCB and the Catholic University of America submitted comments opposing the proposed rule, asserting that the PWFA does not mandate facilitating abortions, as abortion falls outside the scope of pregnancy or childbirth. The new rule applies to all public and private employers with 15 or more workers and stipulates that accommodations should not impose an 'undue hardship on the operation of the business of the covered entity.'

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the Biden administration's rule highlights the ongoing tension between religious liberty and abortion rights in the United States. The USCCB's opposition to the rule underscores the challenges faced by pro-life employers who object to facilitating abortions on moral grounds.

The USCCB's criticism of the Biden administration's rule mandating abortion leave for employees reflects the ongoing debate over the balance between religious freedom and abortion access in the U.S. Bishop Kevin Rhoades emphasized the USCCB's stance, stating, "No employer should be compelled to participate in an employee's decision to end the life of their child." As the rule takes effect, the outcome of the conflict between the administration's mandate and the conscientious objections of pro-life employers remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• USCCB condemns Biden admin rule requiring employers to provide leave for abortions.
• USCCB argues rule violates pro-life employers' conscience by forcing abortion facilitation.
• USCCB previously supported Pregnant Workers Fairness Act but opposed abortion mandate.
• Rule applies to employers with 15+ workers, prohibits 'undue hardship' accommodations.
• Controversy highlights ongoing tension between religious liberty and abortion rights in US.