As an atheist who was born Catholic, I’m all too aware of the Catholic Church’s ridiculous no birth control stance. While the U.S. contains far more religiosity in its laws and customs than many of us may realize or admit, politicians and lobbyists often forget one crucial thing. The separation of church and state. But the church continually invades politics and healthcare. And of course attacks reproductive rights.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been doing some hardcore lobbying to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to expand a clause in the Affordable Care Act to allow any (that’s right any) religious institution to opt-out of birth control coverage. A fucking “conscience clause.” Lovely.
Is there a conscience clause for Viagara or Cialis? Nope. Cause the Catholic Church, an entity run by old white men, doesn’t care about controlling men’s reproduction. Only women’s.
The fabulous Abigail Collazo, Fem2.0 Editor, argues:
“You know what violates my religious beliefs? Unjust war. Health insurance that covers Viagra but not abortion. Tax breaks for criminals. Punitive jail sentences for drug addicts who need treatment and counseling. The death penalty. Among many, many other things. But I don’t see anyone calling for me not to have to pay the taxes that pay for any of those things.”
“The thing is though, I don’t remember voting for the Catholic Church to be President of the United States. Frankly, I don’t even recall seeing them on the ballot.”
It boggles my mind why the hell the Catholic Church thinks it possesses any right to deny healthcare. Shouldn’t medical decisions occur between a patient and their doctor? Absolutely (rhetorical question, folks).
When people control their reproductive health, they lead healthier and happier lives. Contraception is a tool of empowerment. It allows people to take charge of their bodies and sexuality; deciding if and when they want to have children.
Almost all women use birth control. More than 99% of women aged 15–44 who have ever had sexual intercourse have used at least one contraceptive method. Out of the 43 million women who are fertile, sexually active and not looking to get pregnant, 89% use birth control. But birth control affects people from various incomes differently. Denying coverage would strain peoples’ pockets.
If the Obama Administration listens to the bishops, 6 million people would be affected. It would impact students, teachers, social workers, nurses, admin staff and their families at religiously affiliated schools, universities and hospitals. As Kim Gandy, former NOW President, writes at Ms. Magazine and HERVotes:
“…regardless of the religious beliefs of those employees and students.”
The Catholic Church wants to mandate what they constitute as “morality.” But what about my morality? What about quality healthcare? What about access to abortion and contraception? Gay marriage and adoption? Laws protecting domestic violence survivors? Evolution not creationism taught in schools? Comprehensive sex ed? No, the Catholic Church doesn’t give a shit about that kind of morality.
While President Obama is pro-choice, he has bent to the will of the anti-choice movement too many times. Responding to the shock over the Obama administration contemplating “caving to the anti-choice movement,” Jodi Jacobson, Editor-in-
Chief at RH Reality Check writes:
“It is disturbing. But it is also completely predictable because it has happened repeatedly. Think Stupak Amendment executive order; think Nelson Amendment to the health care reform bill in the Senate. Think about the President’s complete 180 on the Hyde Amendment. Think about the HHS regs that voluntarily expanded the denial of coverage of abortion care, applying the Stupak Amendment to exchanges, even though this was not required by law. Think of Obama’s silence in the face of clinic violence and the death of Dr. Tiller. Think about the continued ab-only money and the fact that our international funding is still going to discredited programs. I could go on but will stop there because it is all too depressing.”
Um remind me again…don’t we have separation of church and state?! Hopefully Obama remembers that too. Ugh.
This post is part of the HERVotes Blog Carnival: Women v. The Bishops. Sign the petition to ask President Obama to support birth control coverage. Follow the #bcrefusal and #HERVotes tweets.
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Consider studying why the Church teaches what she teaches. It is not hard to find out. The Catechism and most Church documents are only a Google away. Even if you don’t agree, you will be able to argue with reason instead of emotion.
It is too late and I am too tired to address all of your objection.
But I must point out that the reason that the Church does not rule out Viagra is because such drugs restore a natural function that has been affected by physical disease or aliments. It is moral if there is a medical reason. It is also true, however, that such treatments can not morally be used for sex outside of the Sacrament of marriage or even within marriage if there is not a medical need.
Contraception, on the other hand, suppresses a natural function. Apples and oranges.
Here’s an idea maybe she did study it. Im guessing that you are tired because in the beginning she pointed out that she was raised a Catholic. And this is not an argument based on emotion. As a Catholic myself, I am not blind to fact that several of its teachings are at best antiquated,backwards and based on three concepts: fear, ignorance and control of the masses and this has been proven throughout history. The birth control ruling is evidence of this. What do those old men in Rome have to lose by allowing us whether single or unmarried the freedom to determine our own reproductive destinies? Who gave you or them the moral authority to judge since its doesnt effect you or them directly? I read somewhere about not looking at the speck in your brothers eye when theres a log in your own. Oh yeah Jesus said that didn’t he? The one on who this Church is supposed be based.
Apples and oranges huh?
You’re right you do need to hop into bed now.
Thank you, @bellemage. Thank you. You took the words right out of my mouth when I didn’t have the energy or emotional fortitude to respond.
I wonder, if the Catholic Church did get their “morality clause” or whatever you want to call it, would the insurance coverage at Catholic based companies refuse to cover prescriptions for Viagra for unmarried men? Would they have to submit a marriage certificate to their insurance to get coverage for such a drug? Just curious.
Why is that when an individual needs help and receives welfare(our tax dollars), they have to follow the government’s rules, but when the churches receive our tax dollars(welfare) they don’t have to follow the government’s rules?