After more than an hour of testimony and before a standing-room-only meeting room, the House Health and Welfare Committee held a measure Monday allowing Idaho insurance carriers to exclude contraceptives in coverage options. The bill was the product of Rep. Carlos Bilbao, R-Emmett, who believes that he shouldn’t have to pay for abortions and contraceptives. “I say to you and the federal government, ‘Do not force me to pay for your abortions and your contraceptives,’” Bilbao said. The issue has been on the forefront of nationwide discourse since President Barack Obama’s administration issued a rule that all insurance providers will be required to cover contraceptives. Bilbao objected to the ruling for ideological and theological reason. “They’re mandating me to pay for abortions and birth control pills,” he complained. “That’s your responsibility, not mine”/Dustin Hurst, Idaho Reporter. More here.

Thoughts?