Compromise on birth control debate
BOISE, Idaho - On Friday, President Obama ensured women will still be able to get birth control without having to pay for it, no matter where they work.
The Obama administrations health care reform act now only requires employer insurance plans to cover the cost of birth control. Prior to the presidents concession, the act required all employers including religious affiliated employers to pay for contraceptives. The clause in the act caused a major national backlash from the Catholic community.
Catholic Diocese of Boise spokesman, Michael Brown said the backlash was less about catholic beliefs and more about constitutional rights.
"It's not even about Catholics. It's about Jewish communities, LDS and Protestant communities. There should be no government law that attacks or is contrary to core beliefs of any religious community," Brown said.
Saint Alphonsus Hospital which is a Catholic affiliate put out this statement:
"Saint Alphonsus Health System, Trinity Health and the Catholic Health Association are very pleased with the White House announcement today that a resolution has been reached that
protects the religious liberty and conscience rights of Catholic institutions. The framework developed has responded to the issues we identified that needed to be fixed.
We are pleased and grateful that the religious liberty and conscience protection needs of so many ministries that serve our country were appreciated enough that an early resolution of this issue was accomplished. The unity of Catholic organizations in addressing this concern was a sign of its importance.
This difference has at times been uncomfortable but it has helped our country sort through an issue that has been important throughout the history of our great democracy. We remain committed to working with the Administration and others to fully implement the Affordable
Care Act to extend comprehensive and quality health care to many who suffer today from the lack of it."
The Obama administrations health care reform act now only requires employer insurance plans to cover the cost of birth control. Prior to the presidents concession, the act required all employers including religious affiliated employers to pay for contraceptives. The clause in the act caused a major national backlash from the Catholic community.
Catholic Diocese of Boise spokesman, Michael Brown said the backlash was less about catholic beliefs and more about constitutional rights.
"It's not even about Catholics. It's about Jewish communities, LDS and Protestant communities. There should be no government law that attacks or is contrary to core beliefs of any religious community," Brown said.
Saint Alphonsus Hospital which is a Catholic affiliate put out this statement:
"Saint Alphonsus Health System, Trinity Health and the Catholic Health Association are very pleased with the White House announcement today that a resolution has been reached that
protects the religious liberty and conscience rights of Catholic institutions. The framework developed has responded to the issues we identified that needed to be fixed.
We are pleased and grateful that the religious liberty and conscience protection needs of so many ministries that serve our country were appreciated enough that an early resolution of this issue was accomplished. The unity of Catholic organizations in addressing this concern was a sign of its importance.
This difference has at times been uncomfortable but it has helped our country sort through an issue that has been important throughout the history of our great democracy. We remain committed to working with the Administration and others to fully implement the Affordable
Care Act to extend comprehensive and quality health care to many who suffer today from the lack of it."
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