Medics may refuse to participate in abortion, House of Representatives rules

On July 13, the House of Representatives voted in favor of the Conscience Protection Act of 2016. If the bill becomes law, health care workers will be free to refuse to participate in an abortion procedure. The bipartisan vote was 245-182.

A majority of medical personnel, including 85 percent of OB-GYNs, do not want to be involved in abortion, the U.S. Catholic bishops wrote in a statement. “Whether their reasons are religious or non-religious, their conscientious objection to abortion is worthy of the highest respect and protection.”

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan praised House Speaker Paul Ryan for bringing the matter to a vote. “Even those who disagree on the life issue should be able to respect the conscience rights of those who wish not to be involved in supporting abortion,” he said.