The Obama administration is moving to rescind a controversial rule allowing health-care workers to refuse to do abortions or supply contraceptives. The rollback of the "conscience rule" comes only two months after it was announced in the twilight days of the Bush Administration. The move is sure to provoke a political storm.

As it stands, the regulation applies to thousands of state and local governments, hospitals, health plans, clinics and other entities. It makes federal funding dependent on whether they accommodate the conscientious beliefs of doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other employees.

The rule was originally sought by groups who argued that workers were increasingly being fired or penalised for following their conscience. But it was fiercely opposed by women's health advocates, family-planning proponents, and abortion rights activists. They claim that it will obstruct family planning and infertility treatment and possibly a wide range of scientific research. Seven states, including California, Illinois and Connecticut, and two family planning groups, have already filed lawsuits challenging the rule. They contend that it sacrifices the health of patients to religious beliefs of medical providers.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology also opposes the rule. It cites cases such as that of a Virginia mother of two who became pregnant because she was denied emergency contraception.

The Obama Administration is seeking input during a standard 30-day comment period. "We believe that this is a complex issue that requires a thoughtful process where all voices can be heard," an official told the Chicago Tribune. ~ Washington Post, Feb 28; Chicago Tribune, Feb 27