House Republican Press Release

September 28, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. CAFERO FAULTS CATHOLIC BISHOPS FOR REVISED ‘PLAN B’ STANCE

HARTFORD –  State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. today applauded a policy change by Catholic hospitals to administer Plan B contraceptives to rape victims just as other hospitals will under a law that takes effect Oct. 1.

“The bottom line is that all those who have suffered the horrors of rape, whether they are treated at Catholic hospitals or not, will be afforded the same humane treatment every where in the state,’’ Cafero said.

The bishops, just days before the bill that passed last spring to allow for independent contractors, and not Catholic hospital staff members, to provide Plan B was to go into effect, announced that their hospitals would comply fully with the law. There had been some indication since the controversial bill passed that the church might challenge the legislation in court. The Catholic hospitals will not hire third parties, the bishops announced.

Cafero said he was satisfied that the matter is now over and that the contemplated potential legal action has been avoided. He also criticized the bishops directly.

“I’m extremely disappointed with the way this issue was handled by the bishops,’’ Cafero said. “Those of us who wanted to strike a balance between compassionate care and religious freedom worked very hard to attempt to get the Catholic church to change their previous position and offered amendments to that effect.’’

He added, “For those very same bishops to do a 180-degree turnabout two days before the legislation becomes law with out any adequate explanation is incomprehensible. It shows apparent disregard and disrespect for the political process and those of us who worked in their behalf.’’

Cafero worked closely with all parties in trying to broker a compromise version of the legislation that was acceptable to the competing interests. “The bishops could have reached the same conclusion on the issue six months ago and avoided a lot of  contentious debate and unneeded controversy,’’ he said.