States, medical groups oppose abortion rule

Several medical associations, such as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and 13 state attorneys general voiced their opposition to a proposed federal rule that would provide stronger job protections for doctors and other healthcare workers who refuse to participate in abortions because of religious objections. Opponents of the proposal fear the proposal would stretch the definition of abortion and would open the door for hospitals and physicians to deny access to contraception.