On Monday, June 30, the Supreme Court released its decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Specialties Wood Corp. v. Burwell. The court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate – which the Green and Hahn families opposed because it forced them to provide access to 4 drugs and devices that can end life at its earliest stage – imposed an undue burden on the religious freedom of these family businesses, under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
A human embryo, small and fragile though it may be, is a human life that the March for Life seeks to protect. Nothing is more important than that! That’s why the Hobby Lobby case matters. This mandate forces organizations to cover drugs and devices that destroy precious human life in its most fragile stages.
The March for Life was at the court all morning awaiting the decision. Here are pictures from the rally and press conference, as well as remarks from Jeanne Monahan.
Unfortunately, a great deal of misinformation from pro-abortion forces has followed the court’s decision, especially in regards to why the Green and Hahn families opposed certain abortifacients. National Review Online published a piece from Jeanne Monahan entitled “Abortion Advocates Downplaying the Science of Abortifacients.” Below is a segment of her article:
There is a world of difference between a drug that prevents life and a drug that can destroy life in its earliest and most vulnerable stages. The HHS mandate and the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby provide an excellent opportunity to educate the public about such life-destructive drugs and devices. Women deserve the right to know how they work upon their bodies and the nascent life in their wombs.
For a recap of the genesis of the HHS mandate, and for reactions from lawmakers and other interested parties, check out Tom McClusky’s blog post:
The HHS mandate comes from a provision in President Obama’s health care law, commonly called “Obamacare.” This provision requires all employers who offer health insurance to include coverage for “preventive services”. The term “preventive services” was then defined by pro-abortion Obama Administration to mean contraceptive drugs and devices, including so-called emergency contraception, some of which can cause abortions. In addition sterilization was classified as a preventive service.
For a full recap of the morning, and reactions on Twitter, check out our Storify of the day: