A bill to force every private insurance policy to cover abortion, sterilization, and controversial contraceptives (HB 1647) has been scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10th, at 8 am in the House Health Care Committee.
This bill essentially makes it illegal to buy or sell a private insurance policy that doesn’t cover abortion.
Many people oppose abortion generally. Many more do not want to pay for someone else’s abortion regardless of how they feel about the right to have one.
But this bill ignores the strong differences of opinion on this divisive issue and forces everyone to become a financial partner with the abortion industry.
This bill is primarily about forcing employers to pay for their employees’ abortions.
Proponents of the bill claim that because a woman has the right to an abortion, she should never be in a situation where she wants an abortion but can’t pay for it. In their mind, forcing employers to do things they believe are immoral is the solution.
If we apply this logic to any other situation in life, it doesn’t pass the straight face test.
I have the right to transportation and rifles, but I do not have the right to force someone else to buy me a car or rifle if I find myself short of cash.
While the bill primarily targets employers, it also requires that every individual or family insurance policy will also be required to pay for abortion regardless of how the individual or family feels about the issue.
Proponents of the bill claim that is “discriminatory” to have some insurance policies that don’t cover abortions while other policies do.
In a sense, they’re right.
It is discriminatory in exactly the same way my order of mahi mahi discriminated against the beef, chicken, and vegetarian options that were also on the menu.
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The power to choose is a recognition of each persons’ inherent dignity, but once you call it “discrimination” it gives politicians license to micro-manage.
And the moment you dare point out that it’s the same thing, they’ll tell you you’re hurting their feelings and end the conversation.
Your human dignity ends where my feelings start.
If the leftists in the legislature get their way, we will soon be in a world where a florist must celebrate same-sex weddings and must pay for her employee’s abortions as a condition of being in business.
In their mind, this is all part of ending discrimination.
Seriously.
I bet they would have passed the ball with one-yard to go too.
This bill may not make sense, but in the legislative arena, it isn’t the best ideas that become law, it is the ideas with the most political support.
If you like an idea, your voice has to be louder and clearer than those who oppose it.
The best way to make a statement is to show up at the hearing on Tuesday morning. Call ahead and schedule an appointment with your legislators so you’ll have a chance to meet with them in person. Personal communication is the best communication.
If you can’t make it, call your legislators through the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or email them to share your thoughts. Then encourage your friends to do the same.
It’s shockingly easy, and if we all do our little part, it makes a big difference for the world we leave behind.
LifeNews.com Note: Joseph Backholm is the Executive Director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington.
