Bush Setting up New Conscience Rule

As one of the last acts of his administration, President Bush is working on promulgating a new federal rule that offers increased protection for medical facilities and professionals who do not want to participate in abortion. The rule is being proposed because health care professionals fear discrimination in the workplace if they refuse to either perform an abortion, assist in the performance of an abortion or make abortion referrals.

Although federal conscience rules exist, enforcement has been lax. Consequently, doctors, nurses and religious hospitals are under pressure from state and local governments to be complicit with abortions.

Planned Parenthood and its cronies are vigorously attacking the new rule. If it is issued by December 20, it will become official federal policy. Unfortunately, the Obama administration or even the Congress will work to overturn the rule. It would take three to six months for the new administration to publish a new rule and controversy is very likely to ensue.

We still hear from people that “Bush didn’t do anything to help the pro-life cause.” This rule is yet another indication of the sincerely and deeply held right-to-life beliefs of our outgoing President. I, for one, am eternally grateful to Bush for all he has done to help build a culture of life.

Barbara Lyons