The federal ruling that religious schools and health institutions are required to provide coverage for contraception does not violate the religious freedom of religious institutions.
While Catholic bishops throughout the country are taking to their pulpits to denounce the ruling, the reality is that the church’s decision to offer a public service to the larger public places the question in a very different context.
Catholic hospitals, like St. Peter’s in New Brunswick, serve more than just a Roman Catholic population. They serve the entire community.
In many communities, those hospitals are the only health-care facilities.
In almost all cases, the facilities get tax breaks and generally get federal money for services (Medicare, Medicaid, other health-care money).
These facilities benefit greatly from their roles as community facilities.
Given this, it is difficult to see how we can consider them private and allow religious exemptions.
What do you think? Check out the poll on New Brunswick Patch and weigh in.
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