HHS Policy Debate

[Clymer/JR]

AP reports on a considered change by the Dept of Health & Human Services (DHHS) in the "conscience" clause, which as implemented by the Bush administration, expanded protection for medical providers refusing to perform procedures on "moral grounds". There has been a heated debate between abortion opponents who favor these new rules, and advocates who fear a wholesale denial of services. The Obama administration will be formally inviting comment for 30 days, prior to instituting any new regulations. A public announcement is pending.