U.S. House Passes Conscience Protection Act; Further Action by Congress Urged

On July 13, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Conscience Protection Act of 2016 on a vote of 245-182. The measure provides legal protection from government discrimination for all health care providers, entities and health insurance plans that choose not to participate in abortions based on moral or religious objections. 

Members of Congress heard from our advocacy network and others around the country who called for passage of this critical bill that protects the civil right of conscience. We are grateful to all those who 'raised their voices' to make their support for this vital legislation known.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, respective chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) committees on pro-life activities and religious liberty, commended the U.S. House of Representatives on the vote and urged Congress to move the legislation forward.

If enacted into law, the Conscience Protection Act "will ensure that those providing much-needed health care and health coverage can continue to do so without being forced to help destroy innocent unborn children," the chairmen wrote. "It will also provide an effective remedy to victims of abortion coercion."