NCJW Praises Critical Step to Reverse Bush HHS Rule
March 9, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the Obama administration for beginning the process to overturn the so-called "conscience rule" put into effect at the last minute by the Bush administration. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"NCJW is pleased that President Obama has taken this important step toward eliminating an HHS rule that, under the guise of protecting religious beliefs, creates new barriers to health-care delivery.
"As we said when it was issued, this rule is unnecessary, overly broad, and includes no protections for patients' rights. These concerns were highlighted and expanded on in the more than 200,000 comments submitted in opposition to the rule. Furthermore, in the short time since it went into effect, the rule has already proved problematic for state governments, providers, and patients around the country. As a result, seven states and two major family planning organizations are challenging the rule in court.
"We welcome the Obama administration's quick action to move toward rescinding this harmful rule. NCJW will be mobilizing its grassroots and others to speak out during the 30-day comment period on the rescission of this rule. We intend to ensure that the voices of those women and others impacted by this impediment to health care are heard in support of the administration’s efforts to remove this barrier."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org