House Committee Advances "Moral Grounds," Votes On Bills Related To Health Emergency

By SARAH KELLOGG

An amended version of a bill that would allow healthcare providers to refuse to perform certain services on an objection of "moral grounds" advanced a House committee on Thursday.

The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee passed by a voice vote, Senate Bill 289, which allows those in the medical profession to refuse performing some medical services if they have “religious, moral or ethical” objections. This would not apply to any emergency medical services.

The committee initially failed the same bill in late February. It has since been amended.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/house-committee-advances-moral-grounds-votes-bills-related-health-emergency

Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, (left) again presents Senate Bill 289 to the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor CommitteeCREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, (left) again presents Senate Bill 289 to the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE