Defense of Conscience in Health Care Act

Key Points

• This bill requires HHS to reissue a 2019 rule that protects health care workers who refuse to participate in certain medical procedures based on religious or moral beliefs. The rule must be finalized within six months of the bill becoming law.
• The restored rule would shield doctors, nurses, and other medical staff from discrimination or job loss if they decline to perform or assist with procedures like abortion or assisted suicide due to personal conscience.
• Once issued, the new rule would automatically override any existing federal regulations that conflict with these conscience protections, ensuring a single consistent standard.
• The bill was introduced by Rep. Moolenaar and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where it awaits further action before it could advance to a floor vote.