By Kathleen Gilbert
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 9, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The public comment period on President Obama’s plan to rescind conscience regulations that protect doctors from being coerced to perform abortions, is in its final hours.
The public comment period ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight, by which time all emails and phone calls must be sent, and letters postmarked; however, sources say a handful of late comments may be considered.
The regulations, initiated 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.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging Americans to voice their support for the regulations by midnight tonight.
“Only one day remains to defend the existing regulation,” said Deirdre McQuade, spokeswoman on abortion at the USCCB. “I urge all concerned citizens to e-mail HHS and pray for the protection of conscience rights.”
(For additional resources, including links to the e-mail campaign, visit: https://www.usccb.org/conscienceprotection.)
You can express your opposition to the Obama proposal by emailing [email protected]
Comments may also be submitted electronically on the Web site www.Regulations.gov (by entering 0991-AB49 in the search box).
Read previous LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Pro-Life Leaders Respond to Obama’s Plan to Revoke Conscience Regulations
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09030206.html
USCCB Calls on Obama Administration to Retain Health Services Regulation on Conscience Protection
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09032311.html