COMMENTARY | The newest form of “Obamacare” to be under attack is the mandate that contraceptives be made available by employers. In an election year when propaganda politics are at an all time high, of course any hot button issue will become the headliner on every program, at every water cooler, and on every overzealous blogger’s page. This biggest argument: The government cannot make people take contraceptives against their religious beliefs, but is this what the government is doing?
What are the issues America faces in regard to contraception? (1) Teenage pregnancy continues to be an issue-often idolized on major television networks, and (2) Welfare is still a divisive issue among political parties. These issues are not new. Perhaps, a new solution is necessary.
There are “organizations automatically exempt from the mandate . . . whose purpose is the ‘inculcation’ of religious tenets [and] primarily employs those who share its religious tenets” leaving churches their freedom. The government is not mandating that individuals utilize the contraceptives, only that they be made available allowing employees to choose whether or not they would like to benefit from the option.
Many religious organizations, including private universities, have spoken out against the mandate due to the inclusion of the infamous morning-after pill, often used as a desperate measure to “undo” what was unintentionally done. Assuming more people will be given access to an alternate method of prevention, is it not safe to assume Plan-B’s prevalence will decrease?
While some of these organizations interpret this law as suggesting that “People of faith . . . [are] made second-class citizens,” people dedicated to their faith are not forced to take any preventative measures in regard to contraception, simply to have it available.
It is common knowledge, and certainly common sense, that assuming people can be responsible in regard to family planning fails more often than succeeds. The unwanted pregnancy epidemic is not going away, but the availability of prevention prior to conception certainly provides better options to many Americans. The formerly locked door is open, but no one is being forced to go through it.