Trump Administration Finalizes Rule To Protect Conscience Rights of Doctors

The Department of Health and Human Services finalized a new rule on Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (commonly known as ‘Obamacare’). The new rule has received interest because it ensures that the federal government defines ‘sex’ as either male or female.  But the important part of the pro-life movement is that it removes the Obama administration’s decision to label abortion as a right. That decision would declare that interfering with someone’s so-called ‘right to an abortion’ would be an example of discrimination.

The new rule finalized by the Trump administration ensures that abortion is not recognized as a right and ensures doctors are protected from being forced to commit abortions. The factsheet released by HHS noted, “the 2016 Rule redefined discrimination “on the basis of sex” to include gender identity and termination of pregnancy,”. 

Violating a federal civil rights law is a serious offense, which can include jail time and fines. This new rule provides additional protection for pro-life doctors who can no longer be forced to commit abortions or worry about being convicted of a federal crime.

LifeNews.com noted, “President Donald Trump has once again issued a pro-life rule that will protect pro-life Americans and help save babies from abortion. This time, his administration has issued a rule to block the effects of a dangerous Obamacare provision that could be used to compel doctors to participate in abortions.”

This is good news and continues President Trump’s record of implementing pro-life policies and using the executive branch to protect conscience rights.

READ MORE: HHS Tells University of Vermont To Stop Forcing Nurses To Commit Abortions