The debates are over and the anticipation is mounting. I could give you my take on the last set of debates but it might be more interesting to offer my opinion on a specific issue. After all, the best way to understand a point of view is to listen to what they have to say.

The topic of women’s issues has been distorted effectively by Democrats, who tell anyone listening that Republicans want to take away rights from women, that they are sexists and that Rush Limbaugh and Tod Aiken represent the mainstream Republican party.

First, let me clarify my own position on social issues. I actually disagree with Republicans on most social issues. I see no reason to ban abortions. I support gay marriage. In fact one of my favorite authors, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, is a woman from Somalia who is a strong advocate of women’s rights.

However, I do not support Democratic charges that Republicans wish to take away a women’s right to choose. I urge you to listen very carefully to what Democrats say.

However, Republicans are not proposing banning contraception. Far from it. What they, and I, are opposed to is a policy written into the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which forces employers to provide free contraception. Republicans are opposed to this because we believe that an employer should be able to choose how to provide coverage. It seems that this is less about a woman’s right to choose and more about their right to free medication.

However, many of you are probably thinking,  “what about those who cannot afford to pay for contraception?” However, if this was the main concern, wouldn’t it be more logical to set up the proper programs through Medicaid or other programs so that these women have access to contraception? That way, those who cannot afford contraception will receive aid from the government, while those with the financial resources will not receive free services that they do not need.

Even if you believe all women should receive free contraception, I would still argue that Democrats have taken their ideology too far.

In an executive order, President Obama provided an exception so that churches and other places of worship did not have to provide contraception to their employees, which would violate many of their religious beliefs. However, he did not exempt organizations such as hospitals, schools and charities affiliated with the church. This means that religious institutions will only be able to exist by violating their own morality.

To me this is simply immoral. The first amendment means that we all have the right to practice our religion as we see fit. This is more important than making sure all women have free contraception, and in any case there are more effective ways to provide contraception to women who need it without infringing on our fundamental rights.