Keep Health Care Free From Discrimination: Providers Against SB 239
Posted 2 months ago by Sherry Chandler
SB239 would allow any worker in a healthcare setting to deny services or refuse to perform key aspects of their job for any reason—including prejudice—without repercussion if they can justify it as a “sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical” belief. It also would allow insurance companies to refuse to pay for any service based on virtually any grounds. The definition of “Medical Practitioner” is so broad it applies to any worker in a healthcare setting, from doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to ambulance drivers, dietitians, receptionists, even janitorial staff:
When health care providers are allowed to deny care and information, patients are put at risk. This bill allows delayed and substandard medical care, with no protections to ensure patients get the care they need. This will harm Kentuckians, especially people who already face barriers to accessing care, such as people with low incomes or people living in rural areas who can’t easily obtain care elsewhere.
Freedom of religion is important. But religious freedom does not include the right to harm and discriminate against others. Moral objections of health care providers and insurers cannot be prioritized over patients receiving the care they need. Leaders in the health care field, such as the American Medical Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose this type of legislation because health care providers have a duty to prioritize their patients’ interests and wellbeing.
Senate Bill 239 is detrimental to our state and more importantly, the people in Kentucky. If enacted, this would be one of the most extreme refusal laws in the country, and it would have far-reaching consequences for patients seeking all kinds of medical care.
As doctors and health care providers, we take an oath to do no harm. We stand united to oppose SB 239 and the harm it will cause to our patients and communities. Please put Kentucky patients first and oppose this dangerous legislation.