In her New York Times op-ed "Have You No Shame, Rush?" (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/dowd-have-you-no-shame-rush.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss), Maureen Dowd excoriates Rush Limbaugh for labeling Sandra Fluke a "prostitute":
"Rush and Newt Gingrich can play the studs, marrying again and again until they find the perfect adoring young wife. But women pressing for health care rights are denigrated as sluts."
Limbaugh has now issued an apology to Fluke for his "insulting word choices" and claims that this was an attempt at humor (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/03/rush-limbaugh-apologizes-to-sandra-fluke_n_1318718.html). Sorry, Rush, but there was nothing at all humorous about your phraseology.
Should contraception be covered by insurance? I don't seek to impose my moral guidelines upon others and view this in terms of cold economics. Condoms can be easily and inexpensively obtained from Planned Parenthood and can prevent STDs, but condoms occasionally tear. If used correctly, the pill provides almost absolute protection against undesired pregnancies, thereby preventing abortion complications and job absence.
Should birth control pills be covered by health care insurance policies, thereby adding to premiums? Perhaps it should indeed be an option available to women. I am certain that insurance companies will know how to factor in the additional cost.
Meanwhile, in an ever more fractious society, it is imperative to engage in respectful, rational debate without descending to the level of personal insults.
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