Networks Ignore HHS Requiring Religious Orgs to Provide Contraception
In their weekend evening news broadcasts, the three major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) all ignored a Friday mandate from the Obama administration forcing non-profit religious employers to provide for contraception in their health insurance for employees. Critics had condemned the rule as a violation of religious liberty.
The networks ignored the story in their respective evening news shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Not one report aired concerning the mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
However, NBC had made sure to report that Congress was mulling defunding of Planned Parenthood back on the April 14, 2011 edition of Nightly News. That report also quoted House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi bemoaning that the lack of funds "would have a devastating impact on women's health care across the country."
The ensuing outrage over Friday's HHS mandate was punctuated by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York condemning the move as "unconscionable" and a violation of religious liberty.
"We have a year to figure out how to violate our conscience," Cardinal-designate Dolan said of the ruling which allows non-profits one year to comply with the new law.
- Matt Hadro is a News Analyst at the Media Research Center
