2/23/12: Some States Moving to Protect Employers Conscience Rights

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Some states are taking measures to protect employers from having to comply with a recent federal mandate that forces them to pay for possible abortifacient drugs against their moral or religious objections.

Arizona, Idaho and Missouri have introduced bills that would affirm and protect employers who have religious or moral objections to offering health care plans that cover drugs that may cause an early abortion.

Twenty-eight states already force employers to offer contraceptive coverage in health plans, but employers can opt out either by statute, by becoming self-funded, or simply by not offering prescription drug plans. But the federal mandate allows employers no such options: Private employers who have moral objections either must violate their own consciences or pay a fine.