Blocking Care for Women

Source: HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON and CECILE RICHARDS, The New York Times, September 18, 2008.

LAST month, the Bush administration launched the latest salvo in its eight-year campaign to undermine women’s rights and women’s health by placing ideology ahead of science: a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would govern family planning. It would require that any health care entity that receives federal financing — whether it’s a physician in private practice, a hospital or a state government — certify in writing that none of its employees are required to assist in any way with medical services they find objectionable.

Laws that have been on the books for some 30 years already allow doctors to refuse to perform abortions. The new rule would go further, ensuring that all employees and volunteers for health care entities can refuse to aid in providing any treatment they object to, which could include not only abortion and sterilization but also contraception.

There is a very simple thing you can do to help. Take 5 minutes out of your day TODAY and visit the planned parenthood website, and click on the Bush Attacks Women's Health banner on the right side. It links to an already created letter that will be automatically sent to the Dept of Health and Human Services when you enter your name and zip code. These letters need to be submitted by September 25th so PLEASE - ACT NOW.