CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Rather than comply with a new statewide directive to distribute the "morning-after pills", nurses are quitting their jobs:

Alabama recently began requiring all of its state-funded public health clinics to hand out "morning-after pills" (search) to women who are worried they may be pregnant and inform patients of their availability.

Not surprisingly, the decision has been met with controversy in the state, with some Department of Public Health nurses quitting their jobs rather than participating in an effort that goes against their religious beliefs.

Alabama health officials say the initiative, which began in April, is in the public's interest and protects their $5 million in federal family planning grants.

It's odd to me that Alabama of all places would issue such a directive. But it all becomes clear when you see "protect...federal...grants".

The Christian Coalition is working with Rep. Robert Aderholt to stop the move:

Aderholt wrote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for clarification and received a response saying that family planning projects must offer a "broad array" of contraceptive methods but do not have to provide "all available methods and services."

Aderholt said Wednesday he's getting a majority of Alabama's congressional delegation to sign a letter telling state health officer Don Williamson that the federal government does not require distributing the morning-after pill.

However, Public Health got a letter from Health and Human Services in January that said it "should consider the availability of emergency contraception the same as any other method which has been established as safe and effective."

Your tax dollars at work.