HB 5440
Allowing healthcare workers to refuse to perform procedures related to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning for religious or conscientious objection
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Medical Ethics Defense Act, would allow healthcare workers in West Virginia to refuse to participate in or pay for medical procedures, treatments, or services that violate their conscience, based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It establishes protections for healthcare providers, institutions, and payers against discrimination related to conscientious objections, and provides whistleblower and free speech protections. The act aims to safeguard the right of conscience for those involved in healthcare.
Key provisions
- Recognizes the right of conscience for healthcare providers, institutions, and payers.
- Protects healthcare workers from discrimination based on conscientious objections to medical procedures.
- Establishes whistleblower protections for those reporting violations of the Act.
- Guarantees free speech protections for healthcare providers regarding their beliefs.
- Provides civil remedies for violations of the Act, including injunctive and declaratory relief.
- Defines key terms related to the Act, such as ‘conscience,’ ‘discrimination,’ and ‘healthcare provider.’
- Includes an exception for emergency medical treatments.
- Offers immunity from liability for healthcare providers exercising their right of conscience.
Who is affected
- Healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, etc.)
- Healthcare institutions
- Healthcare payers (insurance companies, etc.)
- Patients
- Religious organizations
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