A proposed regulation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services protects doctors who refuse to "perform or assist in the performance" of any program or procedure that is "contrary to (their) religious beliefs or moral convictions."
That means organizations that receive federal funding cannot force pro-life doctors to perform abortions, or they risk losing their federal funds.
Pro-abortion lawmakers and pro-abortion groups have worked tirelessly to "sabotage" this regulation, according to Carrie Gordon Earll, senior bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action.
"They are missing the point that there are rights involved here, including freedom of conscience for health care providers," she said. "We’ve got to be able to protect the health care provider because that protects the patients.”
TAKE ACTION
Thank Secretary Mike Leavitt for taking steps to protect the rights of conscience of medical professionals. You can post a message at Leavitt's blog.
