domingo, 21 de enero de 2018

Trump administration moves to defend conscience rights

Trump administration moves to defend conscience rights

Bioedge

Trump administration moves to defend conscience rights
     
The Conscience and Religious Freedom Division of the HHS’s Office for Civil Rights will handle complaints related to participation in controversial medical practices such as abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, and gender reassignment. Federal officials said the division will allow HHS to "more vigorously and effectively" enforce laws related to conscience and religious freedom.

"Laws protecting religious freedom and conscience rights are just empty words on paper if they aren't enforced”, said Roger Severino, director of the Office for Civil Rights. “No one should be forced to choose between helping sick people and living by one's deepest moral or religious convictions, and the new division will help guarantee that victims of unlawful discrimination find justice”.

Individual health care professionals will have the option of lodging a formal complaint with the Civil Rights Office, which can in turn “initiate compliance reviews, conduct investigations...and use enforcement tools otherwise available in civil rights law to address violations and resolve complaints”.

The announcement was made just a day before the March for Life, an annual pro-life march in Washington DC. The president was a keynote speaker at the event.

In addition, the HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing new guidance to state Medicaid directors restoring state flexibility to decide program standards. A letter sent on Friday rescinded 2016 guidance that specifically restricted states’ ability to take certain actions against family-planning providers that offer abortion services.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins praised the new measures, calling it "another moment in which President Trump's promises are becoming a reality."

Louise Melling, deputy legal director of the ACLU, was critical.

"The administration is doubling down on licensing discrimination against women and LGBT people, all in the name of religion”.
Bioedge

Sunday, January 21, 2018

So much has been done; more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.

Recognise these words? They are spoken by the pioneering scientist Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s rich and intriguing novel. This year marks the 200th anniversary of its publication in 1818 and it is being celebrated with a number of academic conferences.

In the era of CRISPR, artificial intelligence, and reproductive technology, it’s a good idea to revisit the novel. Despite its Gothic excesses, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, is still an insightful critique of science and scientists. Make this your New Year’s resolution: “I will reread Frankenstein”.

 
Michael Cook
Editor
BioEdge
 Comment on BioedgeFind Us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter
NEWS THIS WEEK
by Michael Cook | Jan 20, 2018
A gay couple’s request to adopt the child of an American surrogate mother is refused
 
 
by Michael Cook | Jan 20, 2018
Discussion is sure to be passionate and highly political.
 
 
by Michael Cook | Jan 20, 2018
How do you know if a patient is suffering unbearably?
 
 
by Michael Cook | Jan 20, 2018
The latest step in a long evolution 
 
 
by Xavier Symons | Jan 20, 2018
HHS has announced a new division that will protect COs. 
 
 
by Xavier Symons | Jan 20, 2018
Has science been a boon to the pro-life movement? 
 
 
by Xavier Symons | Jan 20, 2018
The Irish government will soon introduce detailed fertility treatment laws.
BioEdge
Phone: +61 2 8005 8605
Mobile: 0422-691-615

No hay comentarios: