Saturday, November 22, 2008

Why we need legal protection for the conscience

The pro-abortion forces are objecting to the regulations that Secretary Leavitt has been working on, claiming that the Bush Administration is trying some "last minute" manipulations.

However, LifeEthics reported way back in September 2005 about a move to make referral for abortion mandatory for doctors -- in a sneaky way, too:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is sponsoring a bill that would require that all doctors refer patients to abortionists. ACOG is asking that Senators tuck this provision into the the FY06 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. According to an internet alert from the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if the provision is not voted down by our Senators, every doctor would be required to help arrange abortions at the patient's request.


The American Journal of Bioethics devoted one of its debates to conscience in 2007. LifeEthics reviewed the subject, here.

ACOG stirred the pot again, about a year ago, as reported in these posts:

Governments threaten physicians for anti-abortion policy

Tuesday, December 11, 2007: CMDA to ACOG: Stop Attack on Conscience

Tuesday, December 11, 2007: Text of Letter from CMA to ACOG on Conscience

Wednesday, December 12, 2007: Doctors, Abortion and Conscience


In response, the conversation about these specific clarifications of the regulations has been covered on LifeEthics and at the Christian Medical and Dental Association since March, 2008:

Saturday, March 15, 2008: Secretary of Health Supports Conscience


Thursday, April 03, 2008: Gynecology and Obstetrics Policy makers respond to doctors on conscience

Saturday, August 02, 2008: Forcing Pro-life Doctors Out of Baby Business?



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