True religious freedom includes the freedom to make decisions about your own body based on your faith. However, over the last several years, states and the federal government have infringed on those rights often citing religion as the reason.
We see government disregard for citizens’ bodily autonomy most frequently on the issues of abortion and gender-affirming care. Yet, the world’s many faiths run the spectrum when it comes to these highly sensitive topics. On the topic of abortion, some regard the unborn child with a sanctity that should be preserved at all costs. Others such as those from the Jewish faith believe abortions are necessary when the mother’s life is at stake.
When governments overreach to impose one religious view on the masses, it denies the inherent worth and dignity of the people.