House Bill 1541 has been passed by the Missouri House of Representatives. The bill defines ‘conscience’ as “the religious, moral, or ethical principles held by a medical professional or a health care institution.” The bill ensures that individuals and institutions cannot be compelled to participate in a number of defined procedures or research activities to which they object for reasons of conscience, and protects them against discrimination. Meanwhile, the Missouri Senate passed SB749, a bill drafted to prevent employers from being forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization.[Missourian]