Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon is one of thirteen states protesting a new regulation proposed by the Bush administration. As Becca Bartleson reports, the deadline for public comment is Thursday.

The rule may well affect women’s access to contraception and abortion.

It would add job protections for federally funded health care providers who have moral objections to certain medical procedures.

Attorney generals from thirteen states sent a letter to the feds voicing their opposition.

Jake Weigler is with the Oregon Department of Justice. He says the rule could force providers to retain employees who refuse patients treatment options.

Jake Weigler: "It means that they would have to hire people who may refuse to provide those services or might refuse to inform about them which can make it much harder for the public to learn about it."

Weigler says two recent Oregon laws could be affected.  One requires hospitals to offer emergency contraception to rape victims and another requires birth control be included in prescription coverage plans.