Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Rule to Regulate a Woman's Access to Reproductive Health Care

Statement

Department of Health and Human Services Proposes Rule to Regulate a Woman's Access to Reproductive Health Care

"The proposed new rule by this President's Department of Health and Human Services makes clear that November 4th can't come soon enough. A proposed new federal regulation concerning a woman's access to reproductive health care is a thinly veiled attempt to regulate a women's right to choose. The Bush Administration claims that this proposed regulation simply reiterates protections for health care professionals who object to performing abortion related services. However, because the regulation fails to define abortion services, the result may be that some women are denied access to contraceptives. The proposed rule offers no assurance that this regulation would not jeopardize access to women's reproductive health services.

"Within all the legalize and technical jargon, the proposed new rule presents a clear and unmistakable threat to a woman's right to have control over her own body and I cannot accept it, will not support it, and will do everything I can to defeat it. I have previously joined with several members of the Pro Choice Caucus in sending a letter to President Bush opposing any effort to undermine access to reproductive health care services.

"There are petitions circulating to gather signatures against the proposed new HHS rule and I urge everyone to sign. Too many people have fought for too long in defense of a woman's right to choose and we cannot accept any change that is a first step backward for women's rights."

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