Chicago, IL — This week, the Obama administration moved to rescind U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules mandating enforcement of and compliance with existing federal laws that protect the civil rights and freedom of conscience of healthcare professionals. The targeted rules were implemented by the Bush Administration in December 2008.
Regarding the new Administration’s move, Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of Americans United for Life stated, “The Administration needs to protect the countless healthcare providers, especially pro-life doctors and nurses, who have been discriminated against because these rules did not exist before last year. These rules were well considered when implemented last year. There is no need to revisit them on behalf of vocal special interest groups.”
Denise Burke, AUL Vice President of Legal Affairs, noted, “Proper enforcement of existing federal conscience protections is essential to mitigate the current medical crisis in our nation, especially the shortage of qualified providers. We urge the Administration to ensure both protection for conscience and access to healthcare services by supporting, not rescinding, these important rules.”
