From Rob Stein at Washington Post:

The far-reaching regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable. It was sought by conservative groups, abortion opponents and others to safeguard workers from being fired, disciplined or penalized in other ways.

While the regulation was aimed at the provision of abortion services - including supplying the "morning after pill" - the scope of the rule goes far beyond that. Suppose a clerk has religious beliefs that antibiotics are an abomination? Yes, they could decide not to allow you to check out of Wal-Mart.

The rule has such sweep that anyone could deny virtually any health service to anyone. While this is significant across the board, it is especially significant in those areas where there is little choice of health care providers or supplies - poor neighborhoods, small towns, and rural areas. In those areas, people can't just go down the street to receive services. They are stuck with the provider's or employee's "conscience."

This regulation is not one that can be easily removed by the new Obama administration. It will likely take Congressional action to overturn.

I highly recommend taking 7 minutes to watch the video clip below from the 12/18/08 Rachel Maddow Show:

Related Information
Access full rule RIN 0991-AB48 Ensuring That Department of Health and Human Services Funds Do Not Support Coercive or Discriminatory Policies or Practices in Violation of Federal Law 127 pages

Representatives to watch for countering legislation:
Diana DeGette, Louise Slaughter

12/19/08 Rubenstein, Wall Street Journal, Bush Administration Adds 'Conscience' Rule on Abortion

12/18/08 Savage, LA Times, Health providers' 'conscience' rule to take effect

12/02/08 Savage. AARP Bulletin. Broader medical refusal rule may go far beyond abortion