Catholic Exchange

As the period for public comment draws to a close this week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as other prominent pro-life leaders, are calling on religious Americans and all men of good will to flood Washington with petitions to retain regulations protecting healthcare workers’ conscience rights.

The public comment period will end 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, thirty days after President Obama formally announced his intention to rescind the Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations in the Federal Register. A source within the HHS has told CatholicAnew.com that a handful of comments received after the cutoff may be considered.

The regulations, enacted by President Bush just prior to leaving office, enforce existing federal laws that acknowledge the rights of health care workers not to be forced to perform or provide for procedures – such as abortion – that would violate their personal, moral, or religious beliefs.

Comments directed towards the HHS may be submitted by email at proposedrescission@hhs.gov

According to the Proposed Rule comments should provide the following:

“1. Information, including specific examples where feasible, addressing the scope and nature of the problems giving rise to the need for federal rulemaking and how the current rule would resolve those problems.

“2. Information, including specific examples where feasible, supporting or refuting allegations that the December 19, 2008 final rule reduces access to information and health care services, particularly by low- income women.

“3. Comment on whether the December 19, 2008 final rule provides sufficient clarity to minimize the potential for harm resulting from any ambiguity and confusion that may exist because of the rule; and

“4. Comment on whether the objectives of the December 19, 2008 final rule might also be accomplished through non-regulatory means, such as outreach and education.”

Princeton University professor Dr. Robert George is calling upon concerned Americans to call the White House, in addition to the HHS, with requests to keep the conscience protections.

George suggests that people call the White House comments line (202-456-1111, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern, Mon.-Fri.) and ask to leave a message for the President of the United States.