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Forcing Docs to Refer for Abortions

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A huge fight is going on within the OB/GYN field in the United States. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) ethics board issued a proposed policy last November which states that doctors who refuse to perform abortions and other practices on religious or moral grounds “have the duty to refer patients in a timely manner to other providers if they do not feel they can in conscience provide the standard reproductive services that patients request.”

Then, in January, the organization that certifies doctors in this field issued regulations that tie compliance with ethics board policies to re-certification as an OB/GYN.

In other words — be a part of the abortion practice or lose your certification.

Weighing in with strenuous objection has been the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) and the Bush administration.

Although ACOG appears to have relented somewhat, the issue is far from settled. Pro-life doctors are insisting on a specific declaration which ensures the conscience rights of health care providers.

Funny how “choice” is interpreted by those who support it. Do it our way — or else.

Barbara

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