Statement of Marcia D. Greenberger of NWLC: We Commend Obama Administration for Taking Steps to Rescind Harmful HHS Rule

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2008 Contact: Adrienne Ammerman or Ranit Schmelzer, 202-588-5180

Statement of Marcia D. Greenberger of NWLC: We Commend Obama Administration for Taking Steps to Rescind Harmful HHS Rule

(Washington, DC) The Obama administration is taking action to rescind a harmful Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule that was passed hurriedly in the final days of the Bush Administration. The regulation significantly limits patients' access to health care, and even to basic information about their health care options.

The following is a statement by Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women's Law Center:

"We heartily commend the Obama administration for recognizing this rule for what it is: a targeted attack on women's health and rights. Rescinding this harmful rule is a step back from the precipice; women across the country will be able to breathe easier once their right to information and needed services has been fully restored."

The HHS rule, which went into effect on January 20, 2009, undermines patients' access to vital health care services and information, and poses especially grave risks to women's health and lives. It broadens existing laws to allow doctors, nurses, insurance plans, hospitals-and nearly any other employee in a federally-funded health care setting-to simply refuse to provide information on or access to the entire range of health care services, including birth control, treatments for infertility, depression, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and more.

For more information and analysis of the HHS rule, visit: http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=3333§ion=ReproductiveChoices.