U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) have introduced the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act, a bill aimed at ensuring that medical students and residents are not compelled to participate in abortion training against their moral or religious beliefs.
The proposed legislation would shift the current opt-out system, which allows residents to decline abortion training but may expose them to pressure or negative career consequences, to an opt-in system. This change is intended to protect trainees from discrimination or retaliation if they choose not to participate.
Senator Young stated, “Medical students who believe in the sanctity of life should not be pressured to participate in trainings that contradict their values. Our bill will protect the conscience rights of young medical professionals and ensure they can choose life as they advance their careers.”
Senator Lankford added, “Medical residents should never be pressured to violate their beliefs in order to finish their training or advance in their careers. Many went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine. Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.”
Currently, rules set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education allow residents an option to decline abortion-related procedures; however, there are concerns that this system does not fully prevent pressure on those with objections.
The legislation has received support from several senators including Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
Numerous organizations back the measure, such as American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs Action, SBA List, Alliance Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, CURE, CatholicVote, Vitae Foundation, Human Coalition, March for Life Action, Heartbeat International, Students for Life of America Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Live Action, Heritage Action, FPA, Liberty Counsel, Family Research Council and Liberty Counsel Action.
