In Alaska, Providence Health is the largest private employer. This religious health-care corporation has over 4000 employees. Their health insurance covers contraceptives. The "religious freedom" argument doesn't appear to be the problem in real life.
Birth control use is nearly universal in the United States. Ninety-nine percent of all women will use birth control at some point in their lives. It is basic health care for women and allows a couple to plan for their children. Women spend about 25 years preventing unintended pregnancies. Contraceptives are a huge part of many women's yearly health expenses.
Unintended pregnancy is the major reason for seeking an abortion. Effective use of contraceptives reduces the number of abortions, a common goal.
Contraceptives are basic health care. Many religious institutions already cover them. This uproar is about dividing America and not about religious freedom.
-- Robin Smith
Anchorage
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