Saving the Lighthouse

As all of you know the McCain-Palin ‘4 more years’ ticket is the most anti-choice ticket in recent memory with both candidates promising to overthrow roe v. wade (remember 60% of the country agrees with r v. w).  I have been talking about the war on birth control for years and most of the people I talk about just shrug it off throwing me mentally to the land of the crazies.  Well, while the opening salvo is long since past the newest barrage of anti choice, anti woman, anti birth-control is here and it is a doozy.  President Bush is attempting to cement his anti-choice legacy by pushing through a Department of Health and Human Services rule change.  This rule change will fundamentally alter the relationship between women and pharmacies, hospitals, and yes our regular doctors.  Its vague wording will allow any health care provider to refuse patients care if they are opposed to a procedure, action, etc.  for religious reasons.
Here is what Sen. Hillary Clinton and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards say about it in their nytimes op ed:

“The rule would also allow providers to refuse to participate in unspecified “other medical procedures” that contradict their religious beliefs or moral convictions. This, too, could be interpreted as a free pass to deny access to contraception.  Many circumstances unrelated to reproductive health could also fall under the umbrella of “other medical procedures.” Could physicians object to helping patients whose sexual orientation they find objectionable? Could a receptionist refuse to book an appointment for an H.I.V. test? What about an emergency room doctor who wishes to deny emergency contraception to a rape victim? Or a pharmacist who prefers not to refill a birth control prescription?  The Bush administration argues that the rule is designed to protect a provider’s conscience. But where are the protections for patients?”

Actually, the Bush administration has said many times that they do not feel that a pharmacist should be forced to give contraception to patients if they do not agree with the practice.  This is a huge issue.  Before anyone says “But I don’t think they should have to do anything against their religion for a job!”  Birth Control has been legal since 1965 , if you do not think that one of the most popular prescriptions is right with your god, DO NOT BECOME A PHARMACIST.   I know of know Orthodox Jews who run non kosher delis.  If you, like me, wish to stop this rule change please know that there are only six days left in the 30-day public comment period.  ACLU has a letter that you can sign and electronically sent to the committee here.  If you, also like me, signed the letter weeks ago please feel free to join me in calling them at 1-877-696-6775 to let them know you disagree with the bill.  Suggested script if you need one:

“I am calling regarding the proposed regulatory changes released on August 21.  I would                                like to register my strong disagreement with the proposed change.” (via shakesville)

Please don’t sit by the wayside while your (or your sister’s, mother’s, daughter’s, wife’s, girlfriend’s ect.) rights are limited for no reason other than a few who want to force their faith on you.