WHERE IS the indignation to President Bush's new "right of conscience" rule? This regulation deserves particular
attention and disapproval (" 'Right of conscience' rule issued for health workers," Page A2, Dec. 19). It is galling for
healthcare workers to deny people the opportunity to make choices about treatment while claiming to uphold the right to
follow one's conscience.
Conservatives recently have adopted the tactic of portraying discriminatory regulations as championing freedom. Groups
in favor of Proposition 8 in California used this method to claim that same-sex marriage laws infringed upon religious
freedom. Even if Barack Obama's administration overturns these healthcare rules, damage is already done by the
acceptance of these arguments.
This rule applies to "a broad range of healthcare workers," which promises patients obstacles throughout their quest for
healthcare. But how this rule applies to doctors is of particular concern. Doctors possess knowledge and techniques
unavailable elsewhere, but according to this regulation, they are free to withhold both if it violates their conscience.
If patients aren't even made aware of their options, how will they know to search for alternatives elsewhere? WebMD
won't cut it. Plus there is no limit on what constitutes moral qualms. Professional ethics come before moral
reservations when it comes to serving society.
Sarah Singer
Lexington
[permaculture] 'Right of conscience, ' doctors make for unhealthy mix - The Boston Globe,
Lawrence F. London, Jr., 12/26/2008