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S 301 115th Congress Senate Health Abortion Civil actions and liability Disability and health-based discrimination Government liability Government studies and investigations Health facilities and institutions Health personnel Health programs administration and funding Medical education Religion

Conscience Protection Act of 2017

Introduced: February 3, 2017 Introduced by: Lankford, James Republican · Oklahoma See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 115th Congress ended
It never became law before the 115th Congress (2017–2018) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 3, 2017
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Feb 3, 2017
Introduced in Senate
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Conscience Protection Act of 2017

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.

The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion.

DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.
What's happening now February 3, 2017

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 Related & companion bills 3
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 301: Conscience Protection Act of 2017. 115th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/115-S-301/
MLA
"S. 301: Conscience Protection Act of 2017." 115th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/115-S-301/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 301, 115th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/115-S-301/.
Markdown link
[S. 301: Conscience Protection Act of 2017](https://openamerica.io/bill/115-S-301/)
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