National Women's Law Center

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2008

Contact: Ranit Schmelzer or Adrienne Ammerman, 202-588-5180

GOING TOO FAR

Administration Proposal Threatens Access to

Health Care for Women, Most Vulnerable

( Washington, DC) In an eleventh-hour attack on women’s health, the Bush Administration plans to propose a damaging rule that will allow any employee of a health care provider to refuse to treat any individual receiving any service – if doing so would violate his or her moral beliefs, the National Women’s Law Center said today.

According to a draft of the proposed rule, the Department of Health and Human Services will adopt a definition of abortion that includes many forms of birth control, including some birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception. All recipients of aid under federal health programs will be required to certify that they will not fire or refuse to hire anyone who has a religious objection to any health service, no matter how central to the job or to the health of the woman.

“The Administration’s proposed rule is totally contrary to a commonsense approach that helps ensure women have access to contraception and other reproductive health care services,” said Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women's Law Center. “It is indefensible for the Administration to attempt to undermine health care programs that provide vital care for women most in need.”

The National Women’s Law Center takes strong issue with several aspects of the proposed rule:

The rule will make it harder for women to get access to reproductive health services and information, including birth control.

The rule defines the word “abortion” as including commonly used forms of contraception, including some birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception – an interpretation at odds with science and far beyond what Congress intended.

The rule defines pregnancy as beginning prior to implantation, which contradicts the medical definition of pregnancy contained in existing federal statutes.

The rule could allow patients to be denied information about medically appropriate and necessary services, denying patients the right to informed consent.

The rule calls into question various state laws protecting patient access to vital reproductive and other health services.

“The Bush Administration is ignoring the wishes of an overwhelming majority of Americans who support efforts to improve – not undermine – access to contraceptives,” said Greenberger. “Almost three-quarters of voters strongly favor making it easier for women at all income levels to obtain contraceptives. Women need information and options to make responsible decisions.”

NWLC’s fact sheet is available here. For more information, or to schedule an interview with Marcia Greenberger, contact Ranit Schmelzer or Adrienne Ammerman at 202-588-5180.

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