Catholic college drops health plan over contraception mandate

[Tony_FLADEM]

(Reuters) - A small Catholic college in Ohio said Tuesday it was dropping health insurance coverage for students rather than comply with a federal mandate that the plan provide free birth control.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville "will not participate in a plan that requires us to violate the consistent teachings of the Catholic Church on the sacredness of human life," according to a bulletin to students posted on the university's website.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/15/us-usa-politics-contraception-idUSBRE84E1FK20120515

Taking health care away isn't honoring the sacredness of human life.

[PDJane]

1. Birth control pills control ovulation.

They don't abort anything, they just keep a woman from producing an egg to fertilize every month.

I don't understand why they think that an egg is sacred, but the woman who produces the egg isn't.

I think it's time to change the tax exempt status of the Catholic Church, which is a holdover from another time and place.

[earthside]

2. Very odd, isn't it?

That is that they would have any students that would want contraception.

I mean, if they are all good little Roman church members, then the whole issue is moot.

Of course, if Franciscan University of Steubenville takes any -- repeat ANY -- money from local, state or federal government, then they will henceforth reject that government interference at their school, too ... won't they?

[Worried senior]

3. What great christians

they are, looking after the welfare of their employees. So glad I left the church long ago.

[gratuitous]

4. Franciscan University to its students

"We would prefer that you drop dead than for you to enjoy good health, because you might have s-e-x."

[Politicalboi]

5. I still can't believe

These perverts have ANY say in ANY matter. And yes I know not ALL priests are pedophiles, but it's also the hiding and denying. Doesn't that account for anything? They're a joke and should be looked as such. They make my stomach turn. And when they do this, I just can't believe they still have supporters. What would this cult be able to do if all their money dried up. And yes it is a cult. If the Pope told the people to kill themselves, a lot would. That is a cult. The pope is no better than Manson.

[LiberalFighter]

6. After the perverts and those that turned a blind eye

how many are without blame? Hmmm

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. students told they should begin to figure out "how you are going to provide for accidents or illnes

So the bulletin advised students that they should begin to figure out "how you are going to provide for accidents or illnesses."

[SoCalDem]

8. Sadly, this is probably the only way we get to universal health care

As schools & companies jettison health care coverage because they see an "excuse" to dump it, and more and more employees lose coverage, people may finally get incensed enough to DEMAND universal coverage..

I've always contended that until the briefcase-brigade starts losing family coverage, there will be no outcry for REAL health care coverage.

Poor/lower middle classers can scream & holler & march 'til the cows come home, but we have no real clout. Until the uppers & slightly-uppers lose coverage there will be no reason for congress to pay attention.

This one thing could lead to such a boom in new businesses being formed and some real wage increases, because once people are untethered from their bondage to their employers, they are finally free to change jobs, and start businesses. Employers will have to pony up REAL raises too. No more "giving" with one hand and taking back through higher insurance costs to employees..

[cr8tvlde]

9. So many ways to respond to this ...

Predictions and thoughts

1. It will be an even smaller college
2. It may morph into a boys-only college who can then date girls in other colleges without procreative fear
3. Then they can have classes on "not wasting the precious seed". That ought to go over great.
4. They can have classes on abstinence ... heard Bristol Palin is available as long as somebody will babysit her kid.
5. Parents, even Catholic parents, will be thrilled/not to have their kids back on their insurance plan...while having to pay for it...see Number 1.
6. Pity those with pre-existing conditions of any kind and either gender.

Just plain stupid and an excuse to cut their budget, IMHO.

[CTyankee]

10. students will "vote with their feet" and not come back or go there in the first place.

Forget it, Charlie.

You don't care of me, I don't take care of you...

[littlewolf]

11. it is going to get more interesting

the Church has stated that if the healthcare law
goes into effect ... they will close every single Catholic Hospital
in the US ... not sell em ... just close em ...
Not sure if they would tear them down or not ...

[knitter4democracy]

12. Not surprised. I used to teach in Catholic schools.

Our health plan said that they not only wouldn't pay for contraceptives but also wouldn't pay for anything that compromised our fertility, not even to save our lives. Seriously. They'd rather we died than lost our ability to have children.

[dkf]

13. Do colleges normally provide health insurance?

I got a student plan on my own when I went to college.

[47of74]

14. Catholic higher educaton institutions used to be something to be proud of

Not anymore. Not after today.