(Part II of a letter to Congress I was assigned to write for a government class. See Part I: Free Exercise of Religion that I posted yesterday for the first half of the letter to Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2)!)
“The Federal Health Care Provider Conscience Laws protect healthcare providers (doctors and nurses) from participating in practices against their religious beliefs such as abortions and sterilizations. Similarly, American employers, religious schools and organizations should be guaranteed that same protection of right of conscience. The Court opinion in the landmark Roe v. Wade acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and the existence of differing views on the issue of abortion. The court acknowledged their “awareness of the sensitive and emotional nature of the abortion controversy, of the vigorous opposing views” and that “one’s religious training, one’s attitude toward life and family and their values, and the moral standards one establishes and seeks to observe” all impact how one perceives the practice of abortion.
Why, then, should those who perceive abortion and similar practices to be morally bereft be forced to condone and support the practice with funds through employee insurance or else face extravagant fines? They shouldn’t. That’s why the HCCRA is a step towards protecting the right of conscience and preserving the integrity of the free exercise clause. (And it’s important to note that this amendment would not prevent or impede upon one’s ability to seek abortion, contraceptive, and sterilization services elsewhere other than their insurance plan.)
Not only does the mandate have constitutional implications on the rights of Americans, but also the HHS mandate poses the potential for economic detriment. Religiously affiliated schools, charities, organizations, and hospitals that provide necessary and much needed services to many Americans will not choose compliance over their convictions—nor should they be expected to. These businesses and charities will close rather than fund practices they believe to be morally wrong, and the country will feel the effects. Further, companies like Hobby Lobby and others face startlingly expensive penalties for refusing to comply. This, consequently, is going to force many businesses to close.
I believe America would be best served if the Affordable Care Act were repealed in its entirety and replaced with legislation more affordable and less intrusive. However, if the law must stand, I believe it must be amended to protect the free exercise of religion and conscience of Americans whose beliefs are compromised with this abortion, contraception and sterilization insurance mandate. Thank you, Representative Wagner, for your co-sponsorship of this bill. You have my support.”