Women’s groups are hailing the Obama administration’s reported decision to roll back Bush-era protections for health-care workers who refuse to provide services because of moral objections.
"We heartily commend the Obama administration for recognizing this rule for what it is: a targeted attack on women’s health and rights. Rescinding this harmful rule is a step back from the precipice; women across the country will be able to breathe easier once their right to information and needed services has been fully restored," said Marcia D. Greenberger, co-president of the National Women’s Law Center.
The Bush administration regulation allowed federal funding to be cut off to any health-care facility that didn’t let doctors or nurses opt out of procedures — including abortion — to which they objected, or which were against their religious beliefs. Government officials told The Washington Post today that they’re reviewing a proposal to get rid of the regulation. Officials said the way it’s worded now is too broad and could restrict women from getting vital services. Family-planning groups have said it could even stretch to not giving women contraceptives. The Los Angeles Times notes that seven states and two family-planning groups have filed lawsuits against the regulation.
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