September 29, 2023
On Friday, September 29, 2023, EPPC Fellows Rachel N. Morrison and Eric Kniffin met with federal government officials to oppose a proposal by the Department of Health and Human Services that would rescind regulations protecting statutory conscience rights in healthcare.
The scholars explained that HHS’s proposed justifications for its proposal are “unsupported and unconvincing.” While claiming to “safeguard” conscience rights, the Department proposes removing clarifying regulatory provisions, including key definitions, assurance and certification requirements, and compliance requirements. Further, HHS unlawfully proposes balancing conscience rights with other interests not mentioned in the text of the laws. The scholars urged the government to protect conscience rights in healthcare.
A written version of those comments, submitted to the government, is available here (PDF).
