Introduction
Congress of the United States works on a variety of bills, some of which can be considered debatable in terms of different worldviews. Judeo-Christian ethics highlight the value of human life while promoting fair interpersonal relationships and compassion to other people. The issue of abortion has been topical in the Western world for a long time, and the society is divided into two major groups in this respect, which is why abortion legislation has been the subject-matter of many disputes. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the H.R. 7 “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion” act within the framework of the Judeo-Christian worldview and ethics.
Judeo-Christian Worldview
The primary concepts of the Judeo-Christian worldview rely on millennia-old dogmas introduced in the Scripture. It was Jesus Christ who set the Golden Rule, meaning, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, New International Version).
The Judeo-Christian worldview implies that one must show equal love and respect to all individuals. It promotes such essential values as equality, human rights, and the importance of family, and those points were used as the foundation of the world’s leading civilizations for a long time (Patrick, 2019). On the other hand, there are two more types of worldview, which play increasingly important roles in today’s social and political landscape: modernism and postmodernism (Fisher, 2020). Nevertheless, the issue of abortion is especially topical from the Judeo-Christian point of view.
The worldview in question has had a major influence on American political and financial processes. Melé and Fontrodona (2017) state that, according to Judeo-Christian ethics, power and wealth must serve as a means to attain higher goals and pursue different virtues. Moreover, human life has the highest value in the Judeo-Christian worldview, as it is considered to be a divine gift, which must be protected at all costs. These dogmas are reflected in an array of governmental actions, which includes legislation.
H.R. 7 “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion” Act
H.R.7 – No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2014 was introduced by Representative Christopher H. Smith. The act aims at changing legislation regarding abortions in terms of financial support. H.R. 7 would amend title 1 of the United States code with the objective of prohibiting the allocation of taxpayer funds as payment for abortion or any health plan that comprises it.
The act in question would also ban certain tax benefits application to coverage of abortion services. Nevertheless, H.R. 7 includes several exceptional cases in which taxpayer funding can be used as payment for abortion. The list comprises such exceptions as rape, incest, and significant risks to the pregnant woman’s life. Spoken differently, the H.R. 7 Act would disallow the use of federal funds for abortion, leaving direct payment as the only option in the majority of situations.
Therefore, one can expect a decrease in the abortion rate, which correlates with the Judeo-Christian worldview, as it usually stands against abortions as the artificial termination of a divine-granted life. The bill passed the House of Representatives and received President’s support, but its details are still being discussed nowadays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Judeo-Christian worldview has had a significant impact on political and economic processes in the United States. Christian ethics emphasizes the importance of all lives, which is why abortion can be considered its violation. Nevertheless, there are other worldviews, some of which promote freedom of choice and apply this principle to abortions, as well. H.R. 7 Act attempts to respond to both views, leaving women an option to terminate their pregnancy, while putting significant constraints on abortions in terms of finance.
References
Fisher, C. (2020). Progressivism and policy analysis: The promises of progressivism and the consolation of Conservatism.
Melé, D., & Fontrodona, J. (2017). Christian ethics and spirituality in leading business organizations: Editorial introduction. Journal of Business Ethics, 145, 671–679.
Patrick, J. (2019). The Judeo-Christian Influence on Global Health, Human Rights, and Justice. Christian Journal for Global Health, 6(1), 20-25. Web.