The Obama administration reached a sensible decision on health insurance coverage for contraceptives. In general, an employer’s religious beliefs should not dictate the type of drugs or medical procedures covered by employees’ health insurance plans. Houses of worship are not required to provide birth control in their health coverages, nor should they be. But the Obama administration declined to exempt religiously affiliated organizations whose primary mission isn’t worship. This policy does not require anyone to use birth control. In addition, courts have already rejected claims by Catholic organizations that requiring contraceptive coverage in employee health plans violates their religious freedom. – Minneapolis Star Tribune
It’s unfortunate that the Obama administration is going ahead with its federal mandate to require faith-based employers to include birth control and other reproductive services in their health care coverage. Such a move is a clear violation of constitutional rights. Just as the government can’t force Americans to practice a given faith, it can’t force faith-based employers to provide services to which they are morally opposed. If the Obama administration doesn’t toss out this rule, then Congress should do the tossing for the administration. – Savannah Morning News
