Tell the Health Dept: Contraception is NOT Abortion!

Targeting: Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services) and Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services)

Started by: Joanne Mendez

The Department of Health and Human Services is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. This would effectively end health insurance coverage for the pill and potentially block emergency contraception for victims of rape.

Newspapers are reporting that dozens of state laws protecting reproductive rights will be threatened by this move. A letter signed by 28 senators warns: "The draft regulation would define birth control as abortion...it could deny access to critical family planning for women across the country."

This "rule change" doesn't need congressional approval. The only way to prevent it is to pressure HHS directly. Please send this message to Secretary Mike Leavitt and his deputy chief of staff today.

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Petition Text

Contraception is NOT Abortion

Dear Secretary Leavitt,

I am outraged that the Department of Health and Human Services is trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. This would effectively end health insurance coverage for the pill and potentially block emergency contraception for victims of rape.

Newspapers are reporting that dozens of state laws protecting reproductive rights will be threatened by this move. A letter signed by 28 senators warns: "The draft regulation would define birth control as abortion...it could deny access to critical family planning for women across the country."

This is unacceptable. Please fulfill your commitment to sound health policy based on science and not cave to the special interests behind this latest maneuver.

[Your name]

Nadia Sindi Eugene, OR

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Rosie Ware st joseph, MO

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Deborah Downs perth, WA

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Richard Hollister Tucson, AZ

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Elizabeth Ward La Crosse, WI

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Samantha Jenson San Francisco, CA

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Esther Pilgrim Plano, TX

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Daniel Moore Seattle, WA

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
Kerry Dorsey Vacaville, CA

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009
S R 20905, MD

Sent letter to Mike Leavitt (Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services) and Greg Morris (Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Health and Human Services)

Nov 13, 2009