New Rules for Doctors

The other day, after stupidly going to CNN.com for my news (why it is taking me so long to realize that when a news source includes headlines like So and So Is Pregnant or Man Reduces Calories and Loses Weight that it is no longer a quality news source?) I saw a headline New Rules for Doctors.

Cool, I thought, perhaps they are going to put limits on gifts doctors can receive, on the use of samples, on speaking fees. Perhaps they will do something to reduce or break the conflict of interest inherent in the relations between doctors and private healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. Perhaps when doctors revert to the simplest and most effective treatments, overall costs will go down and more people will have access to care.

Nope. What a disappointment to open the article and see instead that rules are being discussed to allow anti-abortion doctors to follow their beliefs – ie. not treat women who have the legal right to care.

“The rule, which applies to institutions receiving government money, would require as

many as 584,000 employers ranging from major hospitals to doctors' offices and nursing

homes to certify in writing that they are complying with several federal laws that protect

the conscience rights of health care workers. Violations could lead to a loss of government

funding and legal action to recoup federal money already paid.”

This is what our taxpayer money is being spent on? I think it violates my conscience to think of paying money for such nonsense. Can I get a refund please?