HHS Rejects Claims That It Denied Grant Funding Because Of Religion

Health and Human Services found themselves in the hot seat with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. HHS Secretary for the Administration for Children George Sheldon testified about HHS’ decision to deny funding for United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) program to assist human trafficking victims.

The program’s goal is to give funding to organizations who can provide an array of 200 services to victims of human trafficking. The USCCB did not want to refer victims to doctors for abortions and sterilization as it conflicted with their Catholic beliefs.

Committee chairman Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) said the USCCB was denied funds purely because of their Catholic faith. “That investigation has uncovered many disturbing facts about the grant awards process, including: the most experienced and top rated national applicant was not selected, and lower-ranked organizations were somehow funded,” Issa said. 

Sheldon said the goal is to provide full gynocoligical services to the victims that include contraception and family planning services. He reiterated that USCCB did not give any alternative to working around the issue of abortion and sterilization. 

Sheldon went on to say that the grants went to organizations who could provide all the services and USCCB did not fit the criteria.  “Strong preference to applicants who are willing to offer all of the services and referrals,” Sheldon testified.