Slavery. It’s an abomination. And it goes without saying that survivors of modern-day slavery — human trafficking — should be able to access all of the services they need to protect their health and rebuild their lives. That is, unless you’re talking to the powerful political lobbyist, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
This is a story about Roxanne, a fictitious young single mother who thinks she found the man of her dreams. It turns out he is a nightmare--a child sexual predator. But after initial denial, Roxanee trusts her instincts, and protects her daughter from sexual abuse. What if this were the norm post-Penn State?
What young women need (beyond the obvious need for greater access to low cost birth control and improved sex education in schools) is a boost to their self-esteem, mentors, and to be told that they possess greatness within themselves beyond what can be obtained by any man, babies, money, drugs or alcohol. They sure don't need the condescending and biased advice of Sam Brownback and the Heritage Foundation.
The Bishops are lobbying hard for the Obama Administration to effectively excuse any and all "religious" entities from covering contraceptives without a co-pay. Last week Archbishop Dolan paid a private visit to President Obama and word on the street is that the White House may cave. This would be a grave mistake.
You know how the GOP and Tea Parties hate regulations? Think again: The Regulatory Accountability Act would enforce purposeful overregulation. This law would so hamstring the regulation process that things like coverage of birth control in health reform could be tied up for years. Moreover, it would give groups like the United States Council of Catholic Bishops even more power.
A Michigan law meant to regulate products of conception post-abortion will likely force victims of miscarriage to immediately decide what to "do with the baby."
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