Religious and Reproductive Rights

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What to do when they collide and compete?

The *Affordable Healthcare Act* was passed with a clause requiring employers (who provide health insurance to employees) to include birth control coverage. Note: not abortions. There's an exemption for churches/temples/mosques to opt-out for religious reasons. Sec. of HHS Sebelius has interpreted that to mean healthcare facilities and universities who hire workers outside their religion, and use federal funds, don't meet that 'religious criteria'.

Big controversy from Catholics and candidates. Some are stoking the flames by calling it a War on Religion, others call it a War on Women's Reproductive health. Both sides see it as a Rights issue and discrimination.


What do you think?


It's a tangled mess, but IMO one basic cause of the problem is how we've coupled healthcare with employment, needing employers to help us pay for expensive insurance coverage, and giving certain employers preferred negotiating and group rates they can use for corporate tax reductions. Plus, not tackling high costs of care, and not having a public option.