Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Former President Donald Trump sought to protect the religious and conscience rights of medical professionals when he created the Conscience and Religious Freedom division in the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS), which, as of this writing, still exists under the Biden administration.
But for how long?
HHS issued a final rule in 2019 that replaced a 2011 rule that the Trump administration deemed inadequate. The new rule strengthens protections. Health care professionals who oppose killing unborn babies, “gender reassignment” surgery, “assisted suicide,” or any other objectionable procedures, may refuse to participate based on religious beliefs or conscience, with more protection against government retaliation.
Republican governors know that under Joe Biden, however, the federal government likely will erode protections the previous administration put in place. That’s why more states should pass laws to save women’s sports, protect religious freedom and gun rights, and protect the unborn.
Arkansas just passed a law to protect medical professionals who oppose abortion, assisted suicide, and other procedures. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) announced that Governor Asa Hutchinson recently signed into law the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, which will protect doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals and organizations from being forced to kill unborn babies and other procedures that violate their conscience.
“Driving out doctors, nurses, and other medical providers because of their faith or ethical convictions means fewer health care options for patients at a time when our nation’s health care system is overstretched and experiencing a dire shortage of providers,” ADF attorney Stephanie Nichols said. “We commend Gov. Hutchinson for signing this bill and providing more choices for patients by protecting the right of Arkansas medical professionals—our health care heroes—to operate according to their ethical and religious beliefs.”
