I understand that the right to use contraceptives was established by the Supreme Court 50 years ago. I understand that the vast majority of Americans (including Catholics) support access to affordable contraceptives. I understand that only a small group of people (mostly Catholic clergy) oppose the use of contraceptives. Those are not the issues regarding the current debate. The issue here is who should pay for contraceptives. What the Obama Administration has done is told one of the few groups that oppose contraceptive use to pay for the contraceptives of their employees. Doesn't it seem a tad unfair to force a charitable organization to pay for something that violates their religious beliefs? Isn't there a better way?
This might explain why the Democratic Party is splitting on this issue. Also adding to the fire is the fact that some of the contraceptive treatments the plan calls for includes abortifacients, which opens up more widespread ethical reservations.
Americans agree that people should have access to affordable contraceptives. However, we shouldn't force those who disagree to pay for them if it violates their religious convictions. Framing the issue any other way is a smokescreen.
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