In high court case, religion mustn’t dictate health care: #tellusatoday

Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar

There should be no exception for care based on the religious position of an employer, which has zero relation to the health needs of a covered individual. If religion should be a measure of whether care is given, then a business owner who is a Christian Scientist should be free not to provide coverage that includes invasive surgery or blood transfusions. Contraception is a health care issue between a patient and a doctor.

—Bill Watters

If you work for someone and they don’t provide what you want, then go work for someone else. There is your freedom.

—Bob Skinner

The Little Sisters of the Poor aren’t being forced to provide anything, but if they do provide insurance they have to provide good insurance that covers things employees may need. The employer shouldn’t get to decide what they will and won’t pay for.

I’m sure if an employer decided prostate cancer specifically wasn’t covered, some may feel like that’s unfair to men.

—Raffi Roupen

There is no compelling reason for the federal government to promote contraception or pregnancy.

—Eugene Patrick Devany

Letter edited for clarity and style

While it is within the rights of an organization not to offer services that contradict religious beliefs, the organization is not entitled to stand in the way of those who wish to access services in some other way.

As the law stands now, organizations that oppose reproductive health services may opt out, while insurance companies provide coverage anyway.

Organizations have already pushed the limit on religious rights, and should not be allowed additional leeway that would further limit women’s access to care.

Allowing organizations additional exemption would give them the power to block employees from accessing services. This is unethical, illegal and harmful to women.

Renee Lavigne; Arlington, Va.

Twitter comments edited for clarity

We asked readers what they thought of the contraception mandate battle before the Supreme Court.

Can’t think of anything more anti-freedom than violating people’s conscience. Outrageous. Shameful.

—@CorrellioRedux

Let the church give up all its tax breaks, then I will back the Sisters. Until then #nope. Sign the paper.

—@silverandsuch

Just shows the absurdity (and cost, economic & societal) of one-size-fits-all health plans. Leave Sisters alone.

—@nILFeed

Liberal vegans say if it has a face ... let it live! But it’s OK to kill a baby with a face and a soul!

—@GaryAnthonisse1

We don’t force people to pray. Don’t force them to pay for abortion or contraception if it violates religion.

—@momof8fay

Support Little Sisters!!

—@CapitalistSass

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