A Sad Week

I wrote about the "right of consciousness" rule just a few days ago. Unfortunately, despite the 150 members of congress (as well as 200,000 people like us) who called for the withdrawal of the bill, it has passed any way. This is really not good, because despite the fact that Obama has plans to overturn many of the these dangerous policies, this "right of consciousness" rule will take effect in 30 days (prior to Obama's inuageration ) making it much harder to overturn.
The Wall Street Journal explained the bill this way:
"For decades, federal law has said that doctors and nurses can't be compelled to perform abortions. The new regulation broadens that to make clear that all health-care workers may refuse to provide information, such as a referral, to patients looking for an abortion. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates the regulation would affect 584,000 hospitals, doctor's offices, pharmacies and other entities."
If you need something to feel hopeful about the article also recounts the many other stripped rights that Obama is intending to put back in place.
Just a reminder, the "right of consciousness" rule defines abortion so loosely that birth control can be considered abortion. It also gives medical personel, pharmacists, receptionists, and health care providers the right to make moral decisions about your health -even health concerns that don't have to do with birth control.
UPDATE:
Planned Parenthood released this statement:
"Now, anti-choice medical staff can withhold information about abortion, birth control, and sex education from their patients. Facilities that receive family planning funding, like Planned Parenthood, will have to certify that they will not refuse to hire nurses and other providers who object to abortion and even certain types of birth control. For example, a doctor who opposes pre-marital sex could refuse to provide a prescription or even information about emergency contraception to an unmarried woman."
for more info and to take action go here
http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/hhsdec08_ppo/iwsinnd4ak6wi58?qp_source=hhsdec08_ppol_e1
or contact your local congressperson.