By DANIEL BREEN
A bill that would allow healthcare providers to decline certain non-emergency medical services because of their moral opposition has failed in a legislative committee.
Members of the Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee voted not to approve Senate Bill 289 in a meeting Thursday following hours of debate, including an abbreviated public comment period cut short by a motion for immediate consideration.
Like other proponents of the bill who spoke in favor of it, Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe cited abortion and gender affirmation surgery for minors as two reasons physicians should be allowed to decline certain services for moral reasons.
Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe speaks in favor of Senate Bill 289 before members of the Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.
CREDIT ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE
House committee says no to bill allowing medical providers’ conscience refusal
An Arkansas House committee on Thursday (Feb. 25) voted down a bill that would allow medical providers to refuse to provide services that violate their conscience and also advanced a bill that would allow hospital and long-term care patients to have a loved one present with them in the facility.
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted 8-10 against Senate Bill 289, the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton. Hammer said later Thursday that he will try to run the bill later and is considering amendments.