Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Editorials / Opinion


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Monday, August 25, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Editorial

Bush administration proposal is an attack on reproductive health

The Bush administration's proposed opt-out rule for health-care workers lacks respect for reproductive-health rights.

The Bush administration's proposed opt-out rule for health-care workers is unnecessary and misses a critical element: respect for abortion rights.

More than 584,000 hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and other health-care entities could lose federal funding if they do not accommodate employees who deny care they deem morally objectionable.

The proposed regulation no longer includes an explicit definition of abortion as anything that interferes with a fertilized egg after conception. But the White House's assault on women's health-care rights remains.

For starters, the broad wording in the rule changes can be interpreted to extend to oral contraceptives and emergency contraception. Such a broad interpretation would jeopardize funding for Medicaid and Title X, both of which provide family-planning services.

Moreover, the changes are not necessary. Federal law already allows doctors, hospitals and HMOs to refuse to provide certain services or make abortion referrals. The administration isn't solving a problem as much as it is taking an 11th-hour stand against choice.

Vocal objections to the rule by Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, have been ignored. Congress should redouble its efforts.

A 30-day comment period prevents the changes from going into effect immediately.

Pressure should be brought to bear on Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. Leavitt has proved to be open to reason — he dropped previous controversial language on abortion. There is more he should do.

The proposed changes must include explicit assurances they will not be used to block access to birth control and family planning. Otherwise, there is no choice but to see the rules as an attack on women's reproductive-health rights.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: Tuesday's election shoots down the myth of a political realignment

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: Prosecutor's fishing trip blocks justice for man behind bars

Advertising

Video

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.

Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan
Election Night: Mike McGinn
Election Night: Susan Hutchison
Election Night: Dow Constatine
Candlelight vigil for Officer Brenton
Flying Elephant on Aurora

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising