Friday, February 27, 2009

Obama to rescind Bush abortion rule

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is moving to rescind a federal rule that reinforced protections for medical providers who refuse to perform abortions and other procedures on moral grounds.

A Health and Human Services official said Friday the administration will publish an official notice of its intentions early next week, and open a 30-day comment period for advocates, medical groups and the public. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the notice has not been finalized.

The Bush administration instituted the rule in its last days. It has already been challenged in court. Abortion opponents hailed the Bush regulation, but abortion rights advocates say it could reduce access to other services, such as birth control.







No comments: