[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Are you suggesting that the government would be forcing Catholics to perform abortions or would withhold federal/state money? Remember the "Hyde Amendment" and the abortion hang-ups in the health care debate -- I really don't think that's a Medicare/Medicaid issue anywhere.

The Constitution only says what the federal government and state governments can and cannot do. It is irrelevant in interactions between individuals and private institutions like hospitals, schools, businesses, etc. While someone forced to act against their religious beliefs by a private institution might have a cause of action for violation of civil rights, the Constitution doesn't enter into it.

Hospitals aren't allowed to refuse emergency care to patients. What if said emergency care required terminating a pregnancy like the case here?