Holding a sign that read "HHS Is Sexist," Nihusa Oviedo stood silently on the corner of West University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street in hopes of snagging the attention of passing drivers.
Oviedo, a UF women's studies junior and member of Campus NOW, stood with about 15 fellow members Friday in protest of a proposed regulation that she said would threaten the livelihood of all women.
The regulation, proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Aug. 21, reinforces the rights of health care providers to deny anyone access to birth control if they feel it is against their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
The regulation, also known as the "conscience clause," is meant to prevent discrimination against potential employees who oppose birth control.
It would require the more than 584,000 health care providers receiving government funding to verify they are complying with the statutes, according to the regulation.
If they fail to do so, the health care providers could lose funding.
But local women's rights groups such as Campus NOW believe the morals of doctors and pharmacists should not determine a woman's choice.
"It's not for them to decide," Oviedo said. "Everybody's entitled to their own choice, whatever that may be."
The regulation is meant to reinforce three past statutes meant to protect these conscience rights of any health care provider.
According to an HHS news release, many health care providers are unaware of these rights or deem them unprofessional.
Mike Leavitt, HHS secretary, would not comment because the regulation is only in draft form.
It will be considered for final regulation after a 30-day public comment period.
"It's important to raise consciousness now so it doesn't go through and take effect," said Claire Beach, co-president of the organization.
