New rules proposed to protect anti-abortion doctors

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The Bush administration proposed stronger job protections Thursday for doctors and other health care workers who refuse to participate in abortions because of religious or moral objections.
Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says the new rules are not meant to end services.
Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt said health care professionals should not face retaliation from employers or from medical societies because they object to abortion.

"Freedom of conscience is not to be surrendered upon issuance of a medical degree," Leavitt said. "This nation was built on a foundation of free speech. The first principle of free speech is protected conscience."

The rule, which applies to institutions receiving government money, would require as many as 584,000 employers ranging from major hospitals to doctors' offices and nursing homes to certify in writing that they are complying ...

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http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/21/abortion.doctors.ap/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/21/abortion.doctors.ap/index.html