HHS Midnight Reg Prompts 200,000 Opposing Comments

Chicago Sun-Times: 11th-hour abortion rule draws 200K protests, by David Templeton:

An 11th-hour rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is stirring national controversy by allowing people who provide reproductive health services to refuse information or procedures that violate their conscience....

Despite 200,000 comments opposing the action, HHS issued the new rule Dec. 18. It will take effect the day before President-elect Barack Obama takes office. Those supporting the new rule expect a battle with the Obama administration over its implementation.

Rules already are in place to protect any person, doctor or pharmacist from going against their conscience by providing abortion or contraception information or services to patients or clients. But current practice requires people to inform people that other options are available elsewhere.