Colorado Gov. Bill Owens must decide the fate of a bill that tests his Catholic faith.
A bill sent to the governor Tuesday requires all health care providers, including Catholic hospitals, to inform rape victims about emergency contraception, the Denver Post reported.
Owens has, so far, made no public comment on the bill.
Similar legislation was rejected when Republicans controlled the Colorado Legislature, but Democrats took over in last year's elections. Owens is a Republican.
"We are trying to prevent for women who are already dealing with the trauma of a rape the additional trauma of having to deal with pregnancy when it can be prevented," said Rep. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, the bill's sponsor.
Owens has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it or allow it become law without his signature.
The bill has angered Catholic leaders, who say the proposal mandates Catholic hospitals provide a service that runs counter to the tenets of the religion.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
