The proposed rule follows an earlier leaked draft which defined many common forms of contraception as abortion. Despite the elimination of this controversial language, however, the proposed rule may continue to allow health care providers, nurses, and others to refuse to provide birth control while making no mention of laws currently on the books that protect the religious beliefs of all employees, while allowing employers to protect the needs of their patients, and may preempt state laws designed to protect women's access to birth control.
Letters to Secretary Leavitt Criticizing the HHS Draft Rule:
- Coalition letter, by NWLC and 56 other organizations, July 22, 2008
- Senate coalition letter, July 23, 2008
- House of Representatives coalition letter, July 21, 2008
- Professional Medical Group Coalition Letter, July 20, 2008
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Letter
- American Medical Association Letter, July 23, 2008