Rule Change Threatens Women's Health

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Women's health care is in danger -- and it's time the public hears about it. President Bush has proposed an administrative change that would expand the definition of abortion with disastrous consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services has drafted a rule that expands on Congress' intent to prevent hospitals and clinics receiving federal funds from firing health providers who refuse to perform abortions.

This political rule will radically redefine abortion and sweeps in the most common methods of birth control. Health insurance companies could stop covering the cost of contraceptives for many American women even in states that require them to do so. Countless teenagers, low-income women, and uninsured individuals could be denied access to and information about family planning and pregnancy prevention. At least 104 House members have signed onto a protest bill that reads, "The regulation's definitions are so broad as to go far beyond abortion politics and threaten virtually any law or policy designed to protect women's access to safe and effective birth control." This sweeping redefinition will allow personal agendas to filter information health care providers choose to share with patients.

As one of the leading women's health care providers and advocates, Planned Parenthood will not stand by and watch the Bush administration deny quality, affordable health care to millions of women. This has nothing to do with job protection and everything to do with forcing an ideology at the expense of women's health.

Brittany Montalvo. Fredericksburg.