Document Detail


Enacting religious beliefs in a pluralistic society.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12277901     Owner:  PIP     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The question of fetal life and "personhood" is inherently religious since science cannot determine that a fetus becomes a person at conception. The Hyde Amendment, which prohibits Medicaid funds from being used for abortions, is predicated on the religious idea that a fetus is a person. It was designed to prevent the "slaughter of innocent, inconvenient, unwanted children." The Hyde Amendment is an example of enacting religious beliefs in a pluralist (secular) society. The legislative discussion in Congress and the language of the Amendment are of a religious nature, espoused by the "Right To Life" lobby, supported by religious groups, and directed by the Catholic Bishops' lobbyist. Consensus on the personhood of a fetus is not possible in that it is a metaphysical question. Public policy neither mandates nor prohibits the use of contraception, but there is still no consensus on the morality of contraception.
Authors:
F S Jaffe
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Family planning/population reporter; a review of State laws and policies     Volume:  7     ISSN:  0090-0923     ISO Abbreviation:  Fam Plann Popul Rep     Publication Date:  1978 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1980-01-08     Completed Date:  1980-01-08     Revised Date:  2011-07-06    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0357432     Medline TA:  Fam Plann Popul Rep     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  81-3     Citation Subset:  J    
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Abortion, Induced*
Economics
Family Planning Services
Legislation as Topic
Public Sector*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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