The Trump regime has done it again: HHS has promulgated a new rule for "conscience protections" for "Christian" doctors, nurses, EMTs, what have you. And of course, Trump announced it at a National Day of Prayer event:
More red meat for the base,and probably just for show. It's already been challenged in court:
I'm sure others will sue as well.
I can't help but think of possible remedies for anyone faced with a refusal to provide medical care for reasons of "conscience" -- start with a complaint to the state licensing board, a civil rights suit under state laws, or, worst case scenario, should a patient die because refused care, a criminal complaint of homicide. But then, the damage is done.
Here's the rule, if you want to wade through it -- it's 440 pages, and apparently quite specific.
Footnote: According to one source, the rule also covers advance directives, so patients may receive life support, etc., even though they have explicitly directed that they not.
Via Joe.My.God. and various commenters.
During a speech Thursday before faith leaders, President Trump announced a new rule allowing health providers, insurers and employers to refuse to provide or pay for services such as abortion, sterilization or assisted suicide that they say violate their religious or moral beliefs.
The 440-page rule is broad in scope, spelling out specific services that individuals and entities could refrain from providing or paying for based on their beliefs. It also emphasizes parents’ rights to refuse several specific types of care for their children.
Conservative groups welcomed what they call “conscience protections” for health care workers and others, while LGBTQ and women’s groups warned the rule would reduce services and potentially harm patients if providers refuse to deliver certain care, or treat gay and transgender people.
More red meat for the base,and probably just for show. It's already been challenged in court:
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera on Thursday announced he had filed suit against the Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services to invalidate a new federal rule that would allow health care staff to refuse to provide medical treatment to people, even in emergencies.
If allowed to take effect, the rule would reduce access to health care, particularly for women; LGBT people; and other medically and socially vulnerable populations, Herrera's office stated in a news release.
I'm sure others will sue as well.
I can't help but think of possible remedies for anyone faced with a refusal to provide medical care for reasons of "conscience" -- start with a complaint to the state licensing board, a civil rights suit under state laws, or, worst case scenario, should a patient die because refused care, a criminal complaint of homicide. But then, the damage is done.
Here's the rule, if you want to wade through it -- it's 440 pages, and apparently quite specific.
Footnote: According to one source, the rule also covers advance directives, so patients may receive life support, etc., even though they have explicitly directed that they not.
Via Joe.My.God. and various commenters.
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