11th Hour Legislation Facing Legal Challenge

In a not at all surprising move, the so-called Conscience Rule passed at the last possible minute by the Bush Administration, has been legally challenged. Connecticut's attorney general, Richard Blumenthal, filed suit on behalf of his state, as well as California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Rhode Island. Separate suits have already been filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

For those that missed the ruling, which went into effect in December, the Conscience Rule

stops federal funding to any health organization -- public or private -- if it doesn't allow health professionals the right to refuse to perform or take part in any health care services they consider objectionable on ethical, moral or religious grounds.

This includes things as diverse as providing abortions, filling prescriptions, to working on any research you're hired to do, yet find objectionable.

Health and Human Services has said that they will fight this lawsuit, and believe that they are in the right with the Conscience Rule.
-Kelly Hills