Leavitt says new rules are not anti-birth control

Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt is attempting to ease concerns that the Bush administration is planning to issue new rules that would limit women's access to birth control. Under federal law, institutions may not discriminate against individuals who refuse to perform abortions or provide a referral for one. The Health and Human Services Department is considering requiring healthcare providers and organizations to certify their compliance with the law. Leavitt said he wants the regulation to address the legal right that doctors, nurses, and others have to practice according to their conscience.