Senate kills controversial 'conscience' amendment

Shreya Rao

Current Event Posting #2

Topic: Health

Senate kills controversial 'conscience' amendment

Tom Cohen & Dan Merica, CNN 3/1/12

856 Words

The U.S. senate voted to kill a proposal by Republicans which would allow employers to opt out of providing health care coverage that they disagreed with morally.  This was the response to the controversy over the Obama administration decision to authorize the kind of health care coverage provided by religious employers.  The bill would imply that health care providers wouldn't have to follow the mandate if it violated their religious beliefs.  Senate democrats believe that it allows too much freedom for employers to input their personal beliefs on the health care issues of their workers and could prevent them from receiving the care they needed.  

This is obviously a controversial topic seeing that many are opposing the different proposals in consideration of the Obama administration decision.  It will probably be an issue to be looked into for further input since they have already thought of different approaches none of which people seem to agree with.  Religious affiliations do have a right to voice their opinions but don't have the right to impose on others' issues preventing their health.