Freedom Of Choice Act 'Most Radical Attack Yet' On Beliefs Of Abortion-Rights Opponents, Opinion Piece Says

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 26 Nov 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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President-elect Barack Obama's pledge to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, intended to codify abortion rights outlined in Roe v. Wade, is the "most radical attack yet on the deep beliefs of millions of American pro-lifers," according to abortion opponent and Washington Times columnist Nat Hentoff. Hentoff argues that the law would overturn state parental notification laws; requirements of "full disclosure of the physical and emotional risks inherent in abortion"; and "all laws prohibiting medical personnel other than licensed physicians from performing abortions because such restrictions might 'interfere' with access to this absolute right to abortion." Legislation regarding so-called "conscience rights" -- which allow medical professionals to decline to provide abortion services based on their moral or religious beliefs -- also would be overturned, Hentoff writes, adding, "This is respect for women?"

Hentoff claims that the restrictions on "'the absolute right to choose' would also apply even after 'viability' if a woman wanted to abort what would undeniably be seen during pregnancy as a baby in ultrasound for reasons of her health." FOCA also raises questions concerning religiously affiliated hospitals and clinics that refuse to perform abortions, Hentoff writes. He asks, "At presidential press conferences, can we depend on at least some members of the Washington press corps to ask Mr. Obama about that provision or others I've cited?" (Hentoff, Washington Times, 11/24).

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