Senate Bill 136 has been approved by the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee and will move to a vote in the state senate. The bill provides protection for health care payers, purchasers, providers, and institutions. A Michigan Radio report incorrectly states that the bill requires referral by objecting health care workers.
Category: United States
Nebraska psychologist opposes freedom of conscience
Dr. William Spaulding, a former president of the Nebraska Psychological Association, has criticized the proposed Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act because it does not force health care workers to refer for services or procedures to which they object for reasons of conscience. The bill requires an objector to disclose that moral or religious beliefs prevent him from providing treatment so that the patient can seek assistance elsewhere, but does not force them to assist patients to find someone willing to provide the contested service.
Spaulding claims that an objector may refuse to treat a distraught patient who is involved in homosexual activity or who has homosexual inclinations by saying, “I have a religious belief against you and you have a moral problem.”
He refuses a compromise by which patients are provided a general list of alternative practitioners without specific referral to someone willing to affirm and support homosexuality, asserting, “Compromising on prejudice is not a compromise.” [Star Herald]
Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection Act
Michigan House Bill 136 (2013)
A bill to protect religious liberty and rights of conscience in the areas of health care and medical and scientific research as it pertains to employment, education and training, and participating in health care services and to the purchasing of or providing for the
purchase of health insurance; to provide immunity from liability; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies. Text of Bill
Nursing school director opposes freedom of conscience
The Arkansas Legislature is considering HB 98, the Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act, which provides protection for freedom of conscience for individuals and institutions with respect to artificial birth control, assisted reproductive technologies, human embryonic stem-cell research; and contraceptive sterilization. Meanwhile, Dr. Pegge Bell, Director of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University
of Arkansas, opposes the exercise of freedom of conscience as a violation of the principles of healthcare. Dr. Bell suggests that objectors might be able to negotiate arrangements, but should otherwise change specialities, or, presumably, leave the profession. [NWA]
Protection of conscience measure moves forward in Missouri
By a vote of 118-42, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 457. A second vote is required before the bill can move to the state senate for consideration. The bill provides protection for individuals and institutions with respect to abortion, sterilization that is not medically necessary, embryonic stem cell research, assisted reproduction and contraception. [Associated Press]