Health Employees Can Deny Care

Over the course of the Bush Administration, there has been an alarming rise of teenage pregnancies. Sure, they can blame Brittany or her little sister but the Administration has been systematically raising barriers for people to get the information and care they need. This would, no doubt, continue under McCain/ Palin.

In an editorial in today's NYTimes:
"...a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would govern family planning. It would require that any health care entity that receives federal financing — whether it’s a physician in private practice, a hospital or a state government — certify in writing that none of its employees are required to assist in any way with medical services they find objectionable.

Laws that have been on the books for some 30 years already allow doctors to refuse to perform abortions. The new rule would go further, ensuring that all employees and volunteers for health care entities can refuse to aid in providing any treatment they object to, which could include not only abortion and sterilization but also contraception. Health and Human Services estimates that the rule, which would affect nearly 600,000 hospitals, clinics and other health care providers, would cost $44.5 million a year to administer...

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?"

I've sent a few emails to find out exactly how people can fight this rule during the comment period that lasts until 9/25. I'll get back to you.

In a way, this rule makes official - maybe even protects - people who work in the medical profession and act on their beliefs. I'm sure there are medical professionals throughout the country that recommend one treatment over another because they believe it is the "right" recommendation. People would like to think that they could just rely on their doctors but doctors are human, too. Plus, patients have their own needs and beliefs. So, while part of the onus is on medical professionals, people, in general, should be researching and thinking about their issues, what the options are and finding the best medical professionals who match their needs.