The Bush administration is up to its old tricks again, quietly putting ideology before science and women's health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is poised to put in place new barriers to accessing common forms of contraception like birth control pills, emergency contraception and IUDs by labeling them "abortion." These proposed regulations set to be released next week will allow healthcare providers to refuse to provide contraception to women who need it. We can't let them get away with this underhanded move to undermine women's health and that's why I am sounding the alarm.
These rules pose a serious threat to providers and uninsured and low-income Americans seeking care. They could prevent providers of federally-funded family planning services, like Medicaid and Title X, from guaranteeing their patients access to the full range of comprehensive family planning services. They'll also build significant barriers to counseling, education, contraception and preventive health services for those who need it most: low-income and uninsured women and men.
The regulations could even invalidate state laws that currently ensure access to contraception for many Americans. In fact, they describe New York and California's laws requiring prescription drug insurance plans to provide coverage for contraceptives as part of "the problem." These rules would even interfere with New York State law that ensures survivors of sexual assault and rape receive emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms.We've seen this kind of ideologically driven move from the Bush administration before. Senator Patty Murray and I went toe to toe with the Bush administration to demand a decision on Plan B by the FDA. We won that fight and we need to win this one too.
When I learned about these proposed rules, I immediately joined with Senator Murray to call on the Bush administration to stop these dangerous plans. I am joining with New York family planning and healthcare advocates to spread the word. Now is the time to raise our voices. I will continue to press HHS and I hope you will join me. I have posted information on how to get involved here.
Crossposted at RH Reality Check.
Vote McCain! For an end of abortion (outside of the numerous republican war profit zones that is).
Unfortunately, the current crop of Democrats was unwilling to step up and fight for the rule of law and the separation of powers, and now that bird has come home to roost.
The glaring omission is that this situation would not only continue under a potential McCain administration, but it would become even worse with more Republican appointed Supreme Court justices.
Hillary:
It's not too late to update your posting on what the Bush administration wants to do in the next 4 months to include what McCain would do for the next 4 years. Your full opinion is important!
if the parents decide that they can't have the baby, isn't it upto them to decide not the government or the religion.
As a women, I thank you for being such an effective advocate for Women's issues. It is unfortunate that we have a renegade govenment that has drifted off path. It is imperative that we all speak up, particularly in regard to issues that have an ethical outcome as well.
Thanks again, Senator Clinton for shining a light on this important issue and I will do my best to let my voice be heard.
I hope your efforts over the summer and in to the fall for Barack Obama will pay dividends in November. Our nation needs a leader like him right now. And I also hope you will have a meaningful role in his cabinet. There is so much good the two of you, with a coalition of smart, articulate statesmen can offer our nation in its time of need...which is NOW.
Great to see you back!
Go for it Sen. Clinton. You name will go down in history with Sen. Kennedy's as far as women's and all health issues are concerned.