WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) recently introduced the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act. The legislation would ensure medical students and residents are not pressured or coerced into abortion training that violates their moral or religious beliefs. The bill would also clear federal protections so that residents are not forced to choose between their conscience and their careers.
“Medical students who believe in the sanctity of life should not be pressured to participate in trainings that contradict their values. Our bill will protect the conscience rights of young medical professionals and ensure they can choose life as they advance their careers,” said Senator Young.
“Medical residents should never be pressured to violate their beliefs in order to finish their training or advance in their careers,” said Senator Lankford. “Many went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine. Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.”
Under current rules from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, residents are allowed to opt out of abortion training, but the opt-out system puts pressure on trainees to participate in procedures that violate their moral or religious beliefs. Residents often fear that opting out could affect evaluations, recommendations, or future career opportunities.
The Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act would replace the opt-out system with an opt-in system. This would ensure residents can choose whether to participate in abortion training and protect them from discrimination or retaliation if they decline.
In addition to Senators Young and Lankford, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also joined the legislation.
The following organizations support the bill: American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs Action, SBA List, Alliance Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, CURE, CatholicVote, Vitae Foundation, Human Coalition, March for Life Action, Heartbeat International, Students for Life of America Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Live Action, Heritage Action, FPA, Liberty Counsel, Family Research Council, and Liberty Counsel Action.
Full legislative text can be found here.
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