The Bush administration issued a new order Thursday strengthening protections for physicians and other health care providers whose personal or religious beliefs prohibit their participation in abortions, sterilizations or other medical procedures.

“Doctors and other health care providers should not be forced to choose between good professional standing and violating their conscience,” said U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt of the new rule.

While there are already long established laws that prohibit discrimination against health care workers ...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.