Press Releases
Congressman Nadler Condemns Bush Administration for Rule Threatening Access to Health Care
Washington, DC,
December 19, 2008
Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, today sharply criticized the Bush Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services for issuing a final rule on the “refusal clause.” This rule will broaden the power of health care providers to refuse to provide medical care or information for religious or moral reasons.
"With today’s rule, the Bush Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services are risking the health of millions of Americans across the country,” said Congressman Nadler. “Everyone’s health and safety are put at risk when you expand the ability of providers to deny access to needed treatment or useful health information. While it is not surprising that President Bush is once again applying a right-wing litmus test to health care policy, it is especially galling that he continues to do so even as he is preparing to leave office.” “Congress needs to act quickly to reverse this dangerous policy and we can do so by passing my Midnight Rule Act,” continued Congressman Nadler. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it early next year.” The Midnight Rule Act would postpone the date on which the “refusal clause” rule would go into effect and give President-elect Barack Obama and his new Secretary of Health and Human Services 90 days to undo it. |