WASHINGTON DC – Illinois Congressman Randy Hultgren (R) delivered a floor statement today in support of S. 304, the Conscience Protection Act of 2016, which prevents government discrimination against doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health care entities that refuse to participate in abortion. In addition, S. 304 will allow discriminated individuals and entities to have their day in court, instead of merely filing a complaint with HHS’ Office of Civil Rights.
Rep. Hultgren prepared remarks below:
A central principle in our nation’s history has been a clear rejection of government forcing someone to take an action that violates their religious or moral convictions.
Americans rejected being forced to return runaway slaves; we rejected forced conscription against conscientious objections; we rejected being forced to support state-run churches.
And now we must reject the forced participation in the killing of unborn life.
No one should be forced to have an abortion; no one should be forced to participate in an abortion; and no one should be discriminated against for refusing to collaborate in an abortion.
When government endangers these protections and discriminates against healthcare providers who are holding fast to their moral convictions, it’s time to provide safeguards.
That’s why I urge the House to pass S. 304, the Conscience Protection Act of 2016.
No one should be forced to purchase health plans that cover abortions. Certainly no one—nurses, doctors or other healthcare providers—should be forced to help carry out an abortion against their conscience.
And certainly no one should be punished or discriminated against for refusing to carry out this gruesome procedure.
