Contraception bill 'acceptable'

National Catholic Reporter, March 2, 2007

DENVER -- Although it is not ideal, a bill that would require information about emergency contraception to be made available to rape victims in Colorado is something that "Catholics can accept and work with in good conscience," according to the state's Catholic bishops.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver and Bishops Arthur N. Tafoya of Pueblo and Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs said in a joint statement that the legislation "gives some flexibility to institutions in meeting the requirements of the law, thereby allowing Catholic medical facilities to cooperate without violating their Catholic character."

The bill passed the House Feb. 14 by a 56-9 vote. It had been approved in the Senate two weeks earlier by a 25-10 vote, but the Senate now needs to consider a House amendment that would allow pharmacists to post a sign stating that they do not stock emergency contraception.