Thursday, December 25, 2008
December 25, News Story 4
Health of Female Populace May Be Threatened By New Federal Law
Associated critics have stated that a new regulation the Bush administration claims is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services.
The Washington Post reports that the new rule gives federal health officials the power to cease federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience."
Very tellingly, it is said that the regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities.
In addition, the regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days.
Reportedly, not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.
At this stage, it should be noted that a significant number of women rights and related groups are angered by the new rule.
To cite an example; Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday that "There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere."
To conclude, Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately change the regulation when he takes office in January says: "As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care."
Associated critics have stated that a new regulation the Bush administration claims is designed to protect federally funded health care providers who refuse to perform procedures, such as abortion, that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs will seriously hinder millions of women's ability to get reproductive health services.
The Washington Post reports that the new rule gives federal health officials the power to cease federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, clinic, health plan, doctors' office or other body that fails to accommodate staff who exercise their "right of conscience."
Very tellingly, it is said that the regulation would apply to more than 584,000 health care facilities.
In addition, the regulation, which was sought by conservative groups and abortion opponents, goes into effect in 30 days.
Reportedly, not only does it protect healthcare professionals, it also covers a range of workers, including support staff, trainees and even volunteers.
At this stage, it should be noted that a significant number of women rights and related groups are angered by the new rule.
To cite an example; Center for Reproductive Rights President Nancy Northup said in a statement released Thursday that "There are more than 17 million women across the country who will bear the burden of this harsh regulation, a disproportionate number of them low-income and women of color. Both groups rely heavily on public health programs as their only access to reproductive health services. But the new regulation allows almost any worker in a health care facility -- even a receptionist -- to turn them away, withhold information, and refuse to refer them elsewhere."
To conclude, Northup, who called on President-elect Obama to immediately change the regulation when he takes office in January says: "As it is, low-income women and women of color already face tremendous barriers getting health care, including racial discrimination, inadequate funding of medical assistance programs, logistical obstacles such as inflexible work schedules and inadequate child care."
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