HR 2014 116th Congress House 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 2019

Introduced: April 1, 2019 Introduced by: Harris, Andy Republican · Maryland See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

Apr 2, 2019

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Apr 1, 2019

Introduced in House

Apr 1, 2019

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Conscience Protection Act of 2019

This bill provides statutory authority for certain restrictions prohibiting discrimination against health care providers that refuse to perform abortions.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the federal government, as well as state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities, from penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortions. Currently, similar provider nondiscrimination requirements apply to certain employment or personnel decisions (the Church Amendments), abortion services training (the Coats-Snowe Amendment), and qualified health plans offered through health insurance exchanges. Annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies have also included similar language (the Weldon Amendment).

The HHS Office for Civil Rights, 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 and may include money damages against such entity.

What's happening now April 2, 2019

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Related & companion bills 1

Bill text 1 version