H.R.3411 - Conscience Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3411, the Conscience Protection Act of 2025, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to protect healthcare entities that decline to participate in abortions. It seeks to prevent discrimination against these entities and strengthen the enforcement of federal conscience laws. The bill cites historical support for conscience rights and expresses concern over perceived inconsistencies in the enforcement of existing protections.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would provide a statutory basis for healthcare entities to refuse participation in abortion-related services without fear of penalty from the federal government or entities receiving federal funds. It would also create a private right of action, allowing individuals and entities to sue for violations of conscience protections. This could lead to changes in healthcare service availability and coverage in some areas.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces religious freedom and moral convictions for healthcare providers and entities.
- Provides legal recourse for those who feel their conscience rights have been violated.
- Potentially reduces legal uncertainty for healthcare providers regarding abortion participation.
- Could lead to greater diversity in healthcare options, reflecting a wider range of moral and religious viewpoints.
- Aims to align federal policy with the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Potential Disadvantages
- May restrict access to abortion services, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
- Could disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities seeking reproductive healthcare.
- Potential for increased legal challenges and conflicts between healthcare providers and patients.
- May create administrative burdens and costs associated with enforcing conscience protections.
- Could lead to discrimination against individuals seeking abortion-related services.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is complex. It invokes the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom, arguing that it protects the right of conscience for healthcare providers. However, it may also raise concerns related to the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, if it leads to unequal access to healthcare services. The bill references the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs, suggesting an alignment with the current constitutional landscape regarding abortion rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).