Rachel Maddow last night interviewed Rep. Diana Degette (D-Colorado), chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus in Congress, about new regulations from the Bush administration that allow health workers to refuse services that violate their personal beliefs.
The so-called "right of conscience" rule threatens to cut off federal funding to any entity that does not comply. The rule has major implications for reproductive rights. However, another consequence of this rule has been underreported—it may allow services to be denied to LGBTs.
Rachel Maddow:
If, for example, there was a doctor who was providing HIV care and decided that because of religious beliefs he or she would not provide HIV treatment to anybody who was gay who was HIV positive, would that be covered here?
Rep. Degette:
Absolutely, I mean there’s no standards whatsoever. Or again, the cashier at the pharmacy. If they decided that HIV was God’s punishment or something and they didn’t want to give them the drugs, then that person could make that decision. It’s just so broad, it’s really disturbing. I think you hit the nail on the head, it would actually allow employees of health care facilities to discriminate against patients on a case-by-case basis.
This is super scary stuff. Thankfully, the Obama transition team has already indicated that they will be looking at this and all the other last-minute rules imposed by the lame-duck Bush.
Many thanks to Rachel Maddow for making the HIV connection to this story. I look forward to her continuing vigilance on our behalf whenever possible.
Watch the interview from "The Rachel Maddow Show" (7:34 is the length of the segment, but if you're short on time just fast forward to 5:25 to hear the specific mention of HIV):
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Oriol on:
Why is it every time an intelligent person leaves a comment that differs from your opinion that you delete it? You let other people yell at you and call you an idiot? You chose to become a part of this blog and just like the mainstream media are filtering opinions and only using the ones that work for you. Yes, I think Obama is the biggest mistake this country has ever made,but I am entitled to that opinion. My problem is that each time I do so, my comment is blocked or deleted as if it did not exist. I therefore am withdrawing my support for this blog and will not return. I know you do not care about me or the fact that I will not visit this blog again, but maybe you should reconsider slighting other people while your blog constantly refers to ways that people are slighting you.
Bobby T:
The substance of your previous comment was not the issue. I unpublished your previous comment because most of what you wrote was rude in general and off topic in particular.
The right to free speech is not without limits for any of us. Despite my disagreeing with much of your current comment, as you can see it is here for all to read.
Thanks,
Oriol