Ruling on Contraception Draws Battle Lines at Catholic Colleges
Fordham University has a health care plan that covers medicine, like birth control, for employees and could be extended to students, without extra fees on the side, due to the new health care law; however, the university refuses to do so because it would go against their Catholic teachings. The Obama Administration has statistical information from the Institute of Medicine that proves birth control is vital and medically necessary because studies have shown that women with unintended pregnancies are more likely to be depressed, smoke, drink alcohol, skip prenatal care, and deliver an underweight baby. In addition, current GOP candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have stressed their intention to remove government funding from organizations like Planned Parenthood from giving out contraceptives and birth control pills. A Georgetown University student was denied coverage for her prescription; she has polycystic ovary syndrome and is gay. After a while, she was unable to pay for her medicine and developed a huge cyst on her ovary that had to be surgically removed.
Should we let religious beliefs of a specific denomination become law of the land when America is known for being a melting pot or a religiously diverse country? Should we force people who do not believe in the same religion, practice the beliefs of another religion by forcing the beliefs upon them in the form of laws?
I personally believe that America was established as a country where everyone could practice their own religious beliefs and that the Church is separated from the state; however, it is apparent that more and more people are bringing in beliefs of Catholicism or Christianity into politics when they should not be. How can the government impose laws on people when people don't believe in them? Although some may abuse their rights by spending government money to get prescriptions they need, the government should not use religious beliefs as support for denying people their rights to get the medicine they need.
America is a secular country. We as Americans should not show preference towards any religion nor should we inhibit any religion. Laws should be completely secular in nature without any reservations for considering one's religious beliefs. Religious law should not and cannot govern the land.
ReplyDeleteOne of the principles this country was founded on was the separation of church and state - as someone who is not religious in any way - I love this principle. However, in reality it is inevitable that religion and politics become intertwined. Look at Supreme Court Justices over the years and their decisions on social issues - the liberals are often influenced by their secular upbringings and the conservatives are influenced by their religious upbringings and those 9 individuals decide on major issues (and whether they would admit it or not, their decisions are mostly influenced by personal beliefs, not by the public). Politics and law stem from individual opinions and opinions are often influenced by religious teachings. Murder is illegal and one of the ten commandments is "Thou shall not kill" so there is no denying religious morals have been important in setting standards/social laws, however in issues involving individual privacy - religion has no place. If someone wants contraception, if someone wants to have an abortion, if someone wants to get married to someone of the same sex they should be able to. Who is the Catholic or Christian Church to say two people of the same sex can't get married. Who are they to use the argument that the BIBLE prohibits gay marriage when trying to "protect" marriage in the United States. People can't be deprived from life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and it's the government's job to protect that.
ReplyDeleteIf we are a "free country" then we have to let people be free - We have to practice what we preach. It makes me crazy that (idiots..sorry if there are any fans here) Rick Santorum has said (referring to homosexuality) "If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery, you have the right to anything". If elected as President he intends to "roll back" gay marriage and is staunchly opposed to abortion/birth control/stem cell - you name it...pretty much anything that constitutes diverse freedom. Santorum is an example of someone who can't think for himself; he believes religion is the say all and end all which I believe can't be and shouldn't be a characteristic of a President or any major politician for that matter.
Sorry for my liberal rant...I could have brought up the economy or the wealth gap as well but that would have been too off topic! I need to move to Sweden.
Great post Fiona!
I mean come on, would Jesus be standing outside a gay soldier's funeral holding a sign saying "God hates gays" as has been occurring in this country? Um, I don't think so! Santorum, yes probably. But Jesus? No! Christianity and religion at heart have many good intentions (like charity, love, caring) but religious fanatics have completely damaged it's respect.
DeleteCharlotte--I love your passion for the topic! It's great to know that the future of our country will be in hands of people like you!
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