Governor vetoes protection of conscience amendment in Nuevo Leon

Sean Murphy*

A protection of conscience amendment to the health law of the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon has been vetoed by the governor and returned to the state legislature with the government’s observations. These include an expectation of the inclusion of a requirement for mandatory referral by objecting health care workers ( which many would find unacceptable), and the inclusion of a requirement that institutions maintain non-objecting personnel on staff to whom the referrals could be made. News reports indicate that the veto was triggered by opposition to the amendment by homosexual and allied groups alleging that protecting freedom of conscience for health care workers would result in discrimination against them. [Milenio]

Under Articles 71 and73 of the Constitution of Nuevo León, the governor must review legislation and either approve it or return in within 10 days for  reconsideration.  If the bill is approved by 2/3 of the Deputies after reconsideration, it must be approved and published by the Governor.

Protection of conscience law approved by Mexican state legislature

Sean Murphy*

By a vote of 35-6, the legislature of the Mexican state of Nuevo León, has approved an amendment to the state health law protecting freedom of conscience for “medical and nursing staff that are part of the state health system,” except in cases of emergency. The new provision was brought forwardby Carlos Leal the Social Encounter Party (PES). The amendment is already being attacked by groups claiming that it will allow discrimination against people seeking health care. [El Informador] [Associated Press]