Monday, February 20, 2012
Whatever happened to separation of church and state
In the coming election many different problems are to be faced. The more controversial the problem the feistier and more aggressive each candidate and electors get. With Obamacare being challenged for its requirement of business funded contraceptives religion has now stepped into the ring with the candidates. The main problem presented is between the Catholic church's views on abortion and other contraceptives and the possible requirement of Catholic universities and other institutions being required to pay for something that goes against their personal beliefs. My opinion on contraceptives and abortions may be skewed because of my male perspective and anti-religious leanings. However I do not find it a constitutional infringement to force Catholic employers to purchase contraceptives for their employees. I do however find it despicable that some Catholics would rather see the entire bill scrapped then to come to a middle ground. If Catholic employers do not wish to pay for contraceptives then they should increase the workers pay to cover the cost of contraceptives so it is the choice of the worker to get them not the business.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree whole heatedly with you Max. It's one thing for churches not to have to pay for contraceptives, after all everyone employed at a church should have the same beliefs right? But the idea that a church affiliate, such as Notre Dame or Georgetown doesn't have to pay for it employee's contraceptives is ridiculous. Its not that I don't respect their beliefs but if you allow them to skip out than anyone could claim to be a church affiliate just to get out of paying more in insurance. This has become more than just a religious issue, its a financial one put forward by people who want to pay their employees as little as possible. You have to draw a line somewhere. If the committees have decided that in the interest of public health, contraceptives are to be considered preventative medicine and therefore covered by all insurance then that's the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI agree. You can't force your beliefs on those around you. If you're an employer and you don't want to pay for your employes' contraceptives, raise their salaries. It isn't hurting you to supply contraceptives to your staff, it's their choice if they wish to take one. And I also agree with anna that if businesses outside of churches were allowed to skate by ignoring this rule because of their religious association, it would become a financial problem. Companies who didn't want to spend money would claim a religious association.
ReplyDeleteYou have sparked a great debate, and come up with a viable solution - increasing worker's pay. I wonder if companies would find an excuse to avoid increasing worker's pay however. Potentially they could stipulate that they are removing a meal allowance for example, and re-directing that toward the cost of contraception. As Anna said, this has become a financial issue now.
ReplyDeleteTricky issue to figure out!
What are your views on the public health impact this bill may/may not have?