What does Preamble of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act. The proposed amendment aims to prohibit discrimination against health care entities that do not participate in abortion. The bill also seeks to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of Federal conscience laws.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Conscience Protection Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to conscience protections in health care. It references existing federal statutes protecting conscience rights, including the Church Amendments, the Coats-Snowe Amendment, and the Weldon Amendment. The text highlights inconsistencies in administrative enforcement of these laws and instances where victims of discrimination lack a private right of action. It details instances where states, like California, have mandated abortion coverage, leading to conflicts with the Weldon Amendment and subsequent actions by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The findings also address actions taken by HHS under different administrations regarding the University of Vermont Medical Center and its alleged violation of the Church Amendments. The section notes that a final rule issued by HHS to implement conscience protection provisions faced legal challenges and was vacated. It asserts that conscience protections do not conflict with other federal laws, such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. The text emphasizes that a majority of medical professionals do not perform abortions and that the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision affirmed that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.

What does PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HEALTH CARE ENTITIES THAT DO of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government and recipients of Federal financial assistance from penalizing health care entities that do not participate in abortion. The prohibition extends to actions such as providing, performing, referring for, paying for, or otherwise participating in abortion, as well as providing or sponsoring abortion coverage. The section clarifies that it does not prevent health care entities from voluntarily participating in abortions or referrals where not prohibited by other law. It also allows accrediting agencies and governments to establish competency standards for those who voluntarily perform abortions. The definition of 'Federal financial assistance' includes payments to cover health care costs or other payments promoting health-related activities. A broad range of entities are included in the definition of 'health care entity,' encompassing physicians, hospitals, insurance issuers, health sharing ministries, and more. The term 'State or local government' includes agencies and subdivisions receiving Federal financial assistance.

What does STRENGTHENING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL CONSCIENCE LAWS. of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Title II of the Public Health Service Act by adding section 245B, establishing administrative enforcement of federal conscience laws. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to issue regulations related to specific provisions of law, including sections of the Public Health Service Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and various appropriations acts. The Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services is designated to receive and investigate complaints alleging violations of these conscience laws. The Secretary is empowered to induce compliance with these laws by terminating federal financial assistance, and may refer violations to the Attorney General for civil action. Qualified parties, including the Attorney General and individuals or entities adversely affected, can bring civil actions to obtain relief for designated violations of these conscience laws. Actions under this section can be brought against governmental entities, and relief may include money damages.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Conscience Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain in effect. The unconstitutionality of one provision does not invalidate the entire Act or its application to other entities or circumstances.

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Conscience Protection Act of 2025

Last updated: 5/14/2025 · Introduced: 5/14/2025

Author: August Pfluger (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the federal government and recipients of federal funding from penalizing health care entities that do not participate in abortion-related activities, including providing, performing, or referring for abortions.
The bill establishes an administrative enforcement mechanism within the Department of Health and Human Services, allowing the Office for Civil Rights to receive and investigate complaints and potentially terminate federal financial assistance for violations of conscience laws.
It creates a private right of action, enabling individuals or entities harmed by violations of these conscience laws to bring civil lawsuits against governmental entities and seek monetary damages.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1756(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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