Anti-abortion rights groups urge Bush

NEW YORK, May 23 (UPI) -- As U.S. President George Bush's term draws to a close, anti-abortion activists urge regulations to reject federal funding for abortion clinics, officials say.

Anti-abortion activists are planning a campaign to urge Bush to call for regulations to stop government subsidies for abortion clinics, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

It is reported the campaign will include giving the White House a signed petition and letter backed by conservative groups such as the Family Research Council, the Eagle Forum and Concerned Women for America.

"President Bush has defined himself as a pro-life president, and this is definitely something he should see as part of his legacy," said Jessica Echard, executive director of the Eagle Forum.

Critics say changing regulations for federal funding could negatively impact low-income patients who go to clinics for an array of heathcare services including testing for cancer and infections.

A dozen Congress members recently give Bush a letter asking that funding stay the same, claiming alterations could "block critical healthcare coverage for many Americans."