Rules for conscience-driven health care providers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued proposed rules on protecting health care workers who object to performing certain procedures, including abortion, for religious or moral reasons, the Religion News Service reported. 
The proposed rules were released Aug. 21 by Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt.
The RNS said the 42-page document is available for public comment for the next 30 days and organizations on both sides of the abortion issue are urging their supporters to contact Health and Human Services.
According to the RNS story, several groups are already weighing in on the matter.
“Planned Parenthood continues to be concerned that the Bush administration’s proposed regulation poses a serious threat to women’s health care by limiting the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate health information and services,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged abortion opponents to thank Leavitt for his action, and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said the proposal will “help protect religious organizations and individuals.”
To read a news release about the proposal and the document itself, click here: Regulation Proposed to Help Protect Health Care Providers from Discrimination.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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