Urgent - Contact DHHS Secretary Leavitt today!

The Bush Administration has proposed a rule that lets medical providers keep health information from you if it goes against their religious beliefs.  This regulatory change lets health care providers define abortion, which could threaten access to birth control and broader reproductive health care. 

That's right.  They're letting doctors, pharmacists and health insurance companies put THEIR personal beliefs first and YOUR health last - even if it jeopardizes your health! 

We only have until September 25th to tell Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Leavitt that women and families deserve complete and unbiased information.  Political and religious views should be kept OUT of the exam room!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Provider Conscience Regulation

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to oppose the so-called "conscience" rule recently submitted. This regulation poses a serious threat to women's health care by limiting the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate health information and services.

At a time when more and more families are uninsured and under economic assault, we find our health care system is in crisis and our president taking steps to deny access to basic care. Women's ability to manage their own health care is at risk of being compromised by politics and ideology.

Keep politics out of the exam room!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 22, 2008


Background Information

The Bush Administration's regulatory change lets health care providers define abortion, which could threaten access to birth control and broader reproductive health care.  Under the proposed regulation, a woman seeking medical care and advice from an entity that receives federal funds could have vital health information withheld from her, greatly undermining her ability to make informed decisions.  It is estimated that this regulation would affect more than 500,000 agencies nationwide –hospitals, clinics and pharmacies- that receive funds from the federal government.  Any staff person or medical provider could, without penalty, impose their religious and moral beliefs regardless of the impact on a patient’s health.

Now that the new rule has been issued officially, we need you to speak out during the official 30-day comment period before the rule can go into effect.

We need as many people as possible to submit comments to the Department of Health and Human Services before the official comment period ends on September 25.