After Jan. 20, the Obama administration could begin the process of adopting a revised ruled, but that would likely take many months. Instead, Congress could adopt a resolution that rejects the late rules adopted by the Bush administration.
Democratic Reps. Louise Slaughter of New York and Diana DeGette of Colorado said yesterday they would lead an effort to revoke the rule.
Shortly after the Supreme Court in 1973 ruled that pregnant women had a right to abortion, Congress adopted laws to make clear that no one was required to perform an abortion. Later laws went further and said "no individual shall be required to perform or assist" in any research or health care procedure that "would be contrary to his religious beliefs or moral convictions." Leavitt said the new right-to-refuse rule was needed to enforce these laws.
