Doctors oppose abortion regulation

WASHINGTON - Several medical associations and 13 state attorneys general voiced their opposition yesterday to a proposed federal rule that they fear would open the door for hospitals and physicians to deny access to contraception.

In late August, the Bush administration proposed stronger job protections for doctors and other healthcare workers who refuse to participate in abortions because of religious or moral objections. Abortion foes called it a victory for the First Amendment, but abortion rights supporters said they feared the rule could stretch the definition of abortion to include birth control.

The public comment period for the proposed rule ends today. As the deadline nears, opponents have orchestrated a public call for the administration to rescind the rule. While the regulation states that it would not limit access to healthcare, groups such as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics disagreed.

They said doctors and nurses are not required to perform abortions or sterilizations. But they are ethically bound to inform patients about all of their treatment options. If healthcare professionals cannot or will not provide a service, they are ethically obligated to refer patients in a timely manner to someone who can.

"Implementation of this regulation would effectively allow health care providers' personal beliefs to override patients' right to full disclosure of accurate information and available health care resources," the medical associations wrote.

Separately, 13 attorneys general complained the rule was too vague about what healthcare procedures may be withheld.