Obama Will Undo Abortion 'Conscience' Provision

(NEWSER) - President Obama today overturned the “gag rule” prohibiting the US from funding groups that provide abortions or abortion counseling overseas, Reuters reports. The policy has been enforced and rescinded depending on the Oval Office occupant since it was instituted under President Reagan. Unlike yesterday's high-profile signing ceremony, today's executive order was signed without the media present. More»

Rule bans federal funding of organizations that provide abortion counseling

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama will likely revoke a controversial Bush administration rule on abortion within days of taking office, sources tell CNN. The policy, dubbed the "global gag rule" by critics, denies all US funding to family-planning services around the world that promote abortion or make any mention of abortion while giving information, counseling or referrals. More»

Bush's last-minute new rule for medical workers sparks controversy

(NEWSER) - An expanded "right of conscience" rule for medical workers planned by the Bush administration could hand Barack Obama a major battle over medical ethics, the Los Angeles Times reports. Doctors and nurses can already legally refuse to perform abortions, but the new rule would allow any health care worker to opt out of procedures they find morally objectionable. The rule could possibly include artificial insemination or birth control. More»

Planned Parenthood goes after Mitt, Mitt goes after Solyndra

(NEWSER) - Now that Mitt Romney has officially clinched the Republican presidential nomination, the fight is on. An update on the lines of attack being launched now that we know for sure it's Obama vs. Romney:

• The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is targeting Romney with one of its biggest political ad campaigns ever. A new video spot claims Romney will deny women access to birth control and cancer screenings, take away abortion rights, and not support equal pay for women. The campaign hits hard where it hurts, as Romney is already trailing President Obama among women, the New York Times notes.

Plus: Guess who's the most popular president ever?

(NEWSER) - In honor of Presidents' Day, pollsters have ranked the most popular presidents ever—and it turns out George W. Bush is slightly more popular than our current leader, at least by one measure. Some 46% of Americans see President Obama favorably, and 49% have a negative view of him, marking a 3-point favorability gap. Bush has just a one-point gap, with 45% approving and 46% disapproving of him, Public Policy Polling reports. Indeed, Republicans despise Obama more than any other demographic hates any other president—12% to 84%. More»