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Conscience Protection Act of 2024
Health
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senate
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Introduced on June 27, 2024 by
James E. Banks
Cosponsors (44)
Legislation Details
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Last updated 9/10/2024
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit discrimination against health care entities that do not participate in abortion.
Strengthens the implementation and enforcement of federal conscience laws.
Asserts that no health care entity should have to compromise their religious, moral, ethical, or medical convictions.
Highlights existing federal statutes that protect conscience rights in health care.
Addresses inconsistencies in the enforcement of conscience protection laws by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Prohibits federal and state entities from penalizing or discriminating against health care entities for not providing or facilitating abortions.
Clarifies that health care entities can voluntarily choose to participate in abortion services without being compelled.
Establishes definitions for “federal financial assistance” and “health care entity.”
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for enforcing federal conscience laws.
Designates the Director of the Office for Civil Rights to handle complaints regarding violations of conscience laws.
Allows for civil actions against entities that violate conscience protections, enabling affected individuals or the Attorney General to seek relief.
Ensures that actions can be taken against governmental entities receiving federal financial assistance.
Provides for various forms of relief, including compensatory damages and attorney fees, for successful plaintiffs in civil actions.
Includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of the remaining provisions if any part is found unconstitutional.