“Conscience freedom is a civil right which must be protected so that medical professionals have the freedom to care for patients from a scientific, moral and ethical standpoint,” Parker said.
The legislation states that when medical professionals decline to perform or assist in a procedure because of conscientious objections, they must report their objection to their supervisor.
Then, “when possible and when the medical practitioner is willing,” the practitioner should attempt to transfer the patient to a colleague who will provide the requested procedure. However, if transferring the patient also violates the medical professional’s conscience, or no willing colleague is identified, then “the patient shall be notified and provided the opportunity to seek an alternate medical practitioner.”
The conscience amendment within the budget legislation was sponsored by state Senator Dr. Terry Johnson, who is a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
Louis Brown, Jr., Esq., executive director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, praised DeWine and the Ohio Legislature “for stepping into the breach to protect the civil right of medical conscience and to help safeguard the life, health, and dignity of patients in Ohio.”
Brown said the new conscience protections are “key” to preserving a diverse health care workforce that welcomes medical professionals of faith instead of driving them out.
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