Further, funding social services that are already being performed with voluntary contributions might lead to a decrease in donations. President Bush s plan also threatens the independence of the religious institutions because the government always regulates activities that it subsidizes in the interest of accountability. Once houses of worship receive public dollars, some of their freedom will be jeopardized by the government regulations certain to follow. Religion plays a unique and important role in our society and has thrived precisely because the government has been prohibited from endorsing or becoming entangled in religious practice. In past Congresses, the language was often voted on as an amendment with little or no time for debate.
Family planning is an issue that affects people across gender, ethnic, and class lines.
It is a critical step towards improving women s and children s health and survival rates and reducing the number of AIDS cases worldwide. As the population increases, so do the demands on natural resources and on the economy. At the same time, the lives of millions of women and children worldwide should not be put at risk when solutions and treatment exist. Participation in these programs is completely voluntary. Services include training of health care providers, public education, improving quality of reproductive health care, and supplying contraceptives.