Obama Reaffirms Insurers Must Cover Contraception
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/health/policy/administration-rules-insurers-must-cover-contraceptives.html?ref=health&pagewanted=print
On Friday, the Obama administration decreed that insurance companies must cover contraceptives and sterilization procedures for women, including religious employers. Although the Roman Catholic church pleaded for an exemption for Catholic-affiliated employers, Obama sided with the advice of scientists, Congressmen, and family planning advocates.
The rationale behind covering contraceptives is that they help women’s health significantly, and the cost of them has always been a barrier. Obama provided a one-year grace period for outstanding organizations to comply, however, those against this action believe this period is Obama’s scheme to gain support for reelection. The opposition claims that forcing Catholic organizations to provide birth control is contradicting to their morals, and they are working to pass legislation repealing the decree and are trying to bring the action to court.
Groups in support include the National Academy of Sciences, Planned Parenthood, and Democrats, while those against include National Association of Evangelicals, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and Republicans, as well as evangelical, Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Jewish Orthodox leaders.
Is it wrong to force religiously affiliated groups to provide services that contradict their morals?
What will the effect of affordable birth control be on America?
How will this action sway support in Obama’s reelection?
Do you think this will effect the GOP?
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2 comments:
Yes, I think it is very wrong for President Obama to force religious groups to provide services that they believe are immoral.
It the 1st amendment right of the Church to manage their own institutions, such as hospitals. Obama should understand that basic principle. Just because he disagrees with what the Church is saying doesn't mean he can just plow right over them and force them to provide contraception.
What he has done seems like a direct action to force the Church to do something it doesn't believe in. I'll say it again: that is unconstitutional and wrong. Just imagine if they passed a law saying that Jewish soup kitchens had to serve pork. I know that is a very exaggerated and unrealistic example, but that's the point. Doing what I just said to Jews is equally as ridiculous as what Obama is trying to do to the Catholic hospitals.
Obama was a constitutional scholar and he of all people should know the implications of the 1st amendment and that separation of church and state should be respected from both sides of the table.
I must respectfully disagree with James, as I commend the President for standing up for the millions of women can't afford to see a doctor and don't get the family planning they need. Contraception and family planning services are extremely important to women's health ensuring that they don't miss out on screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and breast and cervical cancer, as well as ensuring access to information and help having healthy pregnancies. Without Obama's policy of no-cost contraception the need for abortion actually increases because more women face unintended pregnancy. Birth control is about equality for women, helping them to chose the right time to have a family. While it is understandably difficult for religious organizations now force to offer contraceptives and sterilization procedures which go against their belief, this mandate was issued not out of spite but in the interest of improving health. Birth control is not abortion. In fact it is used by 98% of women at some point in their lives. Such an overwhelming statistic clearly indicates that there is a demand for contraception, and this mandate ensures that women will have access to the birth control they need. I think Obama's support of this decree will serve to further polarize conservative republicans away from him while attracting more liberal democrats to his cause. I'm sure the GOP will bring up this issue as it is a single interest that many people have strong opinions on.
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