'Right of conscience,' doctors make for unhealthy mix

WHERE IS the indignation to President Bush's new "right of conscience" rule? This regulation deserves particular attention and disapproval (" 'Right of conscience' rule issued for health workers," Page A2, Dec. 19). It is galling for healthcare workers to deny people the opportunity to make choices about treatment while claiming to uphold the right to follow one's conscience.

Conservatives recently have adopted the tactic of portraying discriminatory regulations as championing freedom. Groups in favor of Proposition 8 in California used this method to claim that same-sex marriage laws infringed upon religious freedom. Even if Barack Obama's administration overturns these healthcare rules, damage is already done by the acceptance of these arguments.

This rule applies to "a broad range of healthcare workers," which promises patients obstacles throughout their quest for healthcare. But how this rule applies to doctors is of particular concern. Doctors possess knowledge and techniques unavailable elsewhere, but according to this regulation, they are free to withhold both if it violates their conscience. If patients aren't even made aware of their options, how will they know to search for alternatives elsewhere? WebMD won't cut it. Plus there is no limit on what constitutes moral qualms. Professional ethics come before moral reservations when it comes to serving society.

Sarah Singer
Lexington