Hope 'n' Change

Culture
Hope 'n' Change: ObamaCare's Assault on Religious Liberty
The Obama administration's disregard for religious freedom is well documented, so it should come as no surprise that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is, via ObamaCare, ramming abortion down the throats of religious people. Last August, Sebelius offered for public comment an "interim final rule" that would require private health care companies to provide certain "preventive services" without a deductible or co-pay. These services include sterilization and contraceptive drugs, such as Plan B and Ella. This may not seem a big deal to some companies, but to religious entities, it is a major affront.

Proponents of the rule claim that these entities would be exempt. However, while this may be technically true, the term defines "religious institution" so narrowly that it would not apply to most faith-based schools, hospitals or charities. These institutions now face the prospect of forced provision for services that contradict their beliefs. To add insult to injury, those that do fit into the religious institution exemption must refer their insureds to other places (e.g., Planned Parenthood) for contraceptive and sterilization services.

Although several religious leaders are bringing suit, Sebelius has refused to broaden the definition. Instead, she gave them an extra year -- until August 2013 -- to "adapt." This is a slap in the face, but again, it's nothing new. All we can do is hope that by that time we will have a new administration, one that seeks to rebuild and maintain this country's institutions instead of tearing them down.