The day before Bush leaves office, a new executive rule goes into effect that allows medical providers to refuse to provide service on consciencious grounds.  Historically, medical providers were required to provide treatment within the scope of their license regardless of their personal viewpoints, etc.

The general thinking is that this rule will have the greatest impact in the area of women’s reproductive rights and certain experimental treatments.

Obama may want to overturn the rule but that presents challenges.  For one thing, the process of overturning an Executive Order can take years.  For another thing, does Obama really want to be known for forcing people to provide medical services that their conscience otherwise might prevent them from doing?  Interesting dilemma, is it not?

Here’s the article, from the LA Times.