California fights anti-abortion law

California state officials filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to block a new U.S. rule that limits federal funds to states that provide access to abortions.

The measure, signed into law last month by President Bush, makes it easier for hospitals to refuse to provide abortions or abortion counseling. Any federal, state or local agency taking action against a hospital for its refusal will lose federal funding.

Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced last month that he would take legal action against the measure known as the Weldon amendment, and filed the 24-page lawsuit on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

“The Weldon amendment tramples on women’s constitutional rights, state sovereignty and the interests of California taxpayers,” Lockyer said in a statement. “Equality for women is illusory unless they remain free to make their own health care decisions.”

Abortion opponents marched in Washington on Monday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Jan. 22, 1973, Roe vs. Wade ruling legalizing abortion.

Bush addressed the group by telephone, saying: “I’ve been working with members of the Congress to pass good, solid legislation that protects the vulnerable and promotes the culture of life.”

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