It has come to our attention that the Department of Health and Human Services may be preparing draft regulations that would create new obstacles for women seeking contraceptive services. One of the most troubling aspects of the proposed rules is the overly-broad definition of "abortion." This definition would allow health-care corporations or individuals to classify many common forms of contraception – including the birth control pill, emergency contraception and IUDs – "abortions" and therefore to refuse to provide contraception to women who need it.

As a consequence, these draft regulations could disrupt state laws securing women's access to birth control. They could jeopardize federal programs like Medicaid and Title X that provide family-planning services to millions of women. They could even undermine state laws that ensure survivors of sexual assault and rape receive emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms. We strongly urge you to reconsider these regulations before they are released. We are extremely concerned by this proposal's potential to affect millions of women's reproductive health.

It so happens that no matter what President Bush does on this issue, we will have a new President in January 2009 with the power to endorse or overturn President Bush's actions. While I applaud the Speaker and the two Senators, I think it is imperative to hear from the Presidential candidates on this issue, as we know they will have the power to confirm or overturn any decision President Bush makes. The voters have a right to know.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only