Pending Rule Change Forces Abortion Referrals

A Christian international relief group, Center for Family and Human Rights, says the Obama administration is going to force them to refer refugee women and children for abortions.

"The Obama administration is getting ready to issue new rules requiring charities to provide abortions to child refugees entering the U.S. without their parents," Susan Yoshihara, from C-Fam, wrote.

"Faith-based groups say this is a contravention of the rights of parents and a violation of the conscience rights of faith-based groups helping resettle the children," she said.

The rules state that in order to be eligible for federal aid, faith-based providers are now required to make referrals for emergency contraception, partner with abortion-providing groups, or notify the federal government to make arrangements for the abortion.

C-Fam said the rules are on a "fast-track" as the Obama administration said it would be "contrary to the public interest" to wait "until a public notice and comment process is complete."

The administration said that no Congressonal review is required to approve the rules. The public has until Monday, March 2, to comment.