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 Committee

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Bill Allowing Arkansas Healthcare Providers To Refuse Service Over Moral Grounds Fails In Committee

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.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-allowing-arkansas-healthcare-providers-refuse-service-over-moral-grounds-fails-committee

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

by Steve Brawner

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.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/house-committee-says-no-to-bill-allowing-medical-providers-conscience-refusal/