Kathy Hansinger: Freedom of choice

The writer of the Nov. 6 letter “Christians support Trump for freedom,” claimed that Christians are not able to apply their beliefs in their lives, and that their religious liberty is under attack. Two examples are then cited in support of that premise. However, both scenarios describe situations in which people are stepping on others’ rights and freedoms simply because they don’t believe the same things.

In the first case, the writer stated that pharmacists in Washington State must dispenses abortion-causing agents against their moral objection. Freedom for everyone means that a person should be able to go to any pharmacy and expect to get the prescription filled without being denied or judged. The pharmacist is free to decide personally what drugs he/she takes. These drugs have other uses as well.

The other example is Vermont allowing physician-assisted death. A doctor is free to tell patients that he/she does not agree and is not obligated to inform nor assist. But how fair is it to a dying patient who asks about other options to withhold a referral to another doctor who believes differently? The patient then has the knowledge to freely choose what option is best.

This story was originally published November 11, 2016 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Kathy Hansinger: Freedom of choice."