Right of Conscience, eh.

So I haven't written much lately, at least not in this journal. I won't go into why just now but I might just post directly on facebook notes from now on, instead of being somewhat redundant. Anywho, not exactly the issue at hand right now.

I'm a firm proponent of much that Obama stands for; a healthy portion of that respect stems from his seemingly open-minded and logical approach to fairly representing the American people's interests, as well as those beyond our borders. While I hold his thought process in high regard, none of us are going to agree 100% of the time with el presidente, regardless of who it is. But without even considering my own views on the role of our president concerning right to life issues, I think Obama's definitely getting a check minus concerning planned action against the Right of Conscience Rule.

While it's one of those eleventh hour laws slipped in before the next administration can take office, it was seeking to help protect health care professionals who refuse to provide optional services such as artificial insemination, abortion, etc. on grounds of moral/religious objection. It seems more than fair that an OB/GYN, for example, shouldn't be forced to provide care that he/she personally objects to (or face the consequences). We're not talking about an ambulance driving to the scene of an accident and refusing to save a life... we're talking about the US constitution, in all reality. I don't believe the "right" to a legal abortion should be elevated above the first amendment, which should protect the doctor from refusing to perform one given religious beliefs, for example. Not to mention conflict with the hippocratic oath.

Nobody can pretend to ignore that it was a law enacted by a pro-life administration (a hypocritical administration in that area...lets not go there), but it was addressing a common sense right that didn't really need to be protected until recent times, where we now live in a society polarized on this as it is.

Obama is seeking to repeal the rule. Doctor's and nurses will just be placed back under the potential fire of being discriminated against if they refuse to perform a procedure. If I had a buck for every time I know of someone that said "well I could have this done but my doc won't do it because _____ might cause ________" then, well, you get the picture.

The rule may be somewhat vague and could be better worded, but I somehow doubt a revision and re-enactment of the same protections are planned.

Well kiddies i've gotta run. But just a thought for today.