'Right of conscience' move criticized

WASHINGTON, April 8 (UPI) -- Repealing a U.S. rule that expanded healthcare workers' right to withhold services they find morally objectionable would be discriminatory, critics say.

The Bush administration rule, enacted the day before President Barack Obama took office, expanded the existing "right of conscience" law, under which doctors and other healthcare workers who didn't want to perform abortions could legally refuse to do so.

Under the new federal rule, any worker in a healthcare setting is free to refuse to provide services or information on topics ranging from contraception to vaccine counseling if they are morally opposed to the procedures, CNN reported Wednesday.

With a likely repeal of the rule by the Obama administration looming, Christian doctors argued Wednesday that rolling back the provision would be discriminatory, the broadcaster reported.

"'Right of conscience' is under attack, and that is dangerous for our country, our healthcare system and our patients," Dr. David Stevens, head of the 15,000-member Christian Medical Association, said in a release.

Other doctors, however, contend healthcare providers are obligated to their patients to advise them of available options despite their own beliefs.