“Shutting them down right away will only hurt the people they are legitimately giving care to, as well as all of the employees who earn their living at these facilities.”
I think you’re missing the point. By being unwilling to use all the tools at your disposal, you essentially cede ground to the opposition. The legislature in this case realizes that it will not get Catholic hospitals to perform what are in effect abortions. But it will get the hospitals to refer patients to abortuaries or other infanticide providers. Which was probably the intent all along.
So we make another little compromise with evil and console ourselves with the idea that we saved people’s jobs and might save one or two people. For now. Until the next little compromise comes along. Probably a bill mandating assisted euthanasia or some such.
The road to hell is still paved with good intentions.
I agree there shouldn't be any compromises, but shutting the hospital down altogether isn't the only course of action.
So we make another little compromise with evil and console ourselves with the idea that we saved people’s jobs and might save one or two people.
If said hospital refers patients to other hospitals, I agree, that would be an unfortunate and unacceptable compromise.
Refusal to comply on BOTH points (distribution of Plan B AND referrals) while continuing legitimate services is the best course of action. When the inevitable and very public showdown occurs, THEN the Church can reasonably say, "We kept our doors open as long as we could so innocent people would not be harmed. But now the law compels us to violate our moral foundation, and without recourse. We have no choice but to close our doors."
But you're right - if they continue referrals, it's kind of pointless. Like calling a cab to take someone to the abortion clinic.