We can't ask taxpayers to pay for abortions, but we can ask them to pay for prayer therapy? [View All]

Most folks don't know about this tiny little provision in the health care bill, so I figured I would write up a diary about it. Senator Hatch (R-Utah) snuck this provision in but it has some big name supporters behind it, namely Senator John Kerry and the late Edward Kennedy.

The measure would put Christian Science prayer treatments -- which substitute for or supplement medical treatments -- on the same footing as clinical medicine. While not mentioning the church by name, it would prohibit discrimination against "religious and spiritual healthcare."

Read on below the fold.

DruidQueen's diary :: :: Christian Scientists believe their prayer therapy works as an alternative to modern medicine. Being a Wiccan who performs rituals to invoke the power of the universe to help heal and protect myself and those I love, I'm not one to mock another religion's belief. In fact, Christian Science prayer therapy isn't that far a stretch from what I do.

The difference is that I would never think to ask my health insurance company or my government to pay for the cost of my candles, incense, and ritual items like brooms, wands, sea salt, crystals, or silver-cast pentacles. But thanks to the vague language of this provision, what's to stop Wiccans from demanding reimbursement for our rituals used to heal? What's to stop Scientologists from demanding that the very expensive materials they have to buy from their "church" are covered the government? I mean heck, at least I can get candles for fifty cents. Scientologists pay hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for their materials, and into the thousands for "auditing" (their replacement for psychiatry). Sarah Palin's witch doctor, covered by Aetna? How much do you think Blue Cross Blue Shield will have to bust out for exorcising demons from your kid?

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http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/3/800049/-We-cant-ask-taxpayers-to-pay-for-abortions,-but-we-can-ask-them-to-pay-for-prayer-therapy-WTF