Sen. Casey says Catholic Church has religious freedom to deny women contraception

President Obama's decision to require private health insurance to cover contraception at no cost has prompted a predictable firestorm of criticism from the religious right. Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, a leading antiabortion Democrat, has joined the fray―against birth control.

2 comments

Sen. Casey says Catholic Church has religious freedom to deny women contraception

POSTED: Thursday, February 9, 2012, 1:27 PM
Filed Under: News | Women's Issues

President Obama's decision to require private health insurance to cover contraception at no cost has prompted a predictable firestorm of criticism from the religious right. Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, a leading anti-abortion Democrat, has joined the fray ― against birth control.

“I have strongly supported efforts to provide greater access to contraception,” according to a statement from Sen. Casey. “I believe, just as strongly, that religiously affiliated organizations like hospitals and universities should not be compelled by our Federal government to purchase insurance policies that violate their religious and moral convictions.”

Sen. Casey joins fellow dudes in the Church hierarchy in condemning Obama's decision. Funny thing is that an overwhelming majority of Catholic women ― 98 percent! ― have used contraception, a point that Daily News political cartoonist Signe Wilkinson pokes very funny fun at in today's paper.  

And a majority of Catholics support Obama's position.

So what's the point of contraception? Oh yeah, from the New York Times: “About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and about 4 of 10 of those end in abortion, according to the Institute of Medicine report, which was released in July.”

But whatever. This is about partisan ― and sexist ― politics, not intelligent policy.

Since Democrats tend to be on higher political ground than (the even-more) business-friendly Republicans when it comes to economic issues, the GOP relishes a fight over what the Times straightforwardly describes as “a powerful wedge issue that could unite what has been a fractured conference.” Looks like Sen. Casey gets to play a supporting role in this Washington tragicomedy. Way to govern, boys.

Posted by Daniel Denvir @ 1:27 PM  Permalink | 2 comments
2 comments
Comments  (2)
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:17 PM, 02/09/2012
    what a clown. what a stupid, idiot clown.
    brendancalling
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:01 AM, 02/10/2012
    Regardless of your opinion on birth control and abortion, hospitals that are religiously affiliated DO have the right to religious freedom.
    SarahEM


About this blog
Here at The Naked City, you'll find breaking news, analysis, gossip and surprises about everything from crime and politics to the beating pulse of city life itself. We're good listeners, too:

Daniel Denvir: daniel.denvir@citypaper.net

Ryan Briggs: ryan.briggs@citypaper.net

Samantha Melamed: samantha@citypaper.net

The Naked City on Twitter: @CPNakedCity @danieldenvir @rw_briggs @samanthamelamed

Topics:
Blog archives:
Past Archives: