Conscience Protection Act of 2025

This bill says the federal government, and anyone who gets federal health funds (including states and local governments), cannot punish or treat worse a health care entity because it refuses to perform, refer for, pay for, or arrange abortions, or provide abortion coverage. It also makes clear this does not change emergency care rules that require stabilizing treatment for a pregnant woman or her unborn child in an emergency .

It strengthens enforcement. The Health and Human Services civil rights office must take complaints, investigate, and require fixes. The department can cut off federal funds for violations and send cases to the Justice Department. It also lets affected parties sue in court to stop violations and recover losses, including attorneys’ fees, without first going through an agency process; lawsuits can include claims against state or local governments that receive federal funds . The bill builds on existing federal conscience protections and responds to past gaps and disputes in how those protections have been enforced .

• Who is affected: Health care entities and governments that receive federal health funds; federal agencies that enforce civil rights laws .
• What changes: New, specific ban on discrimination for refusing to take part in abortion-related activities; clearer enforcement tools, funding penalties, referrals to DOJ, and a right to sue for relief and damages .