Senate committee advances Medical Ethics Defense Act expanding conscience protections for health workers; opponents warn of denied care

The Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved House Bill 59, the “Medical Ethics Defense Act,” and referred it to the Senate floor with a due‑pass recommendation after a lengthy hearing that included supporters from faith‑based groups and civil‑liberties advocates and opponents from medical and public‑health organizations.

Sponsor Senator Carl Bierke told the committee the bill expands conscience protections beyond the narrower counselor‑conscience law enacted in a prior session. “The act prevents health care professionals, institutions, and payers from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs,” Bierke said, summarizing eight core elements in the draft, including whistleblower protections and legal remedies for violations.

Greg Chafwin, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom who represented proponents, said the bill is procedure‑based and does not allow discrimination…