Conscience Clauses

The so-called Provider Conscience clauses, regulations, and rules fly in the face of the fundamental principle that the rights of one citizen end where the rights of another begin. The sweeping nature of these rules demonstrates an alarming indifference to the rights of service recipients.

Secular Coalition Says No Middle Ground on Patients Rights -- Rescind the "Conscience Clause" Rule

Wed, 03/18/2009 - 02:00

The Obama Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed to rescind the Bush-era "conscience clause" rule that encourages healthcare workers to put their religious needs before the medical needs of patients and also encourages religiously motivated recipients of federal funds to compromise federal programs. However, when HHS proposed to rescind the rule, it also asked for comment "on whether the objectives of the ... rule might also be accomplished through non-regulatory means."

The Secular Coalition for America opposed the adoption of the original rule. Now in a comment letter on the rescission proposal the Secular Coalition has told HHS -- completely rescind the rule. There is no middle ground.   Read more »

Bush Administration Puts Religion Above Medicine in HSS Conscience Rule; Undermines Patient Rights

Thu, 12/18/2008 - 03:00

For Immediate Release: Dec. 18, 2008
Contact: Anne Singer, 202-271-4679

WASHINGTON, DC - The Bush Administration today implemented the Provider Conscience Regulation (RIN 0991-AB48) through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its purpose is to allow medical personnel and volunteers to refuse to participate in any practice they find morally objectionable. This rule has been widely criticized for the effects it will have on OB/GYN care; however, other areas of patient care will also be compromised under this rule and many groups of Americans could see their medical treatment undermined as a result.  Read more »

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