Welfare committee sends Medical Ethics Defense Act (HB 59) to House floor after 13-2 roll call

The Idaho House Welfare Committee voted 13-2 to send House Bill 59, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," to the full House with a due-pass recommendation after a morning of testimony and debate.

Representative Bruce Scoggs, sponsor of HB 59, told the committee the bill "protects the conscience rights of healthcare professionals and entities" and would shield medical providers from being forced to participate in nonemergency procedures that violate their "sincerely held religious, moral, and ethical beliefs." Scoggs also said the bill provides enforcement mechanisms, including whistleblower protections and a private right of action.

Supporters, including attorneys and several health care workers, urged passage as a way to expand existing, narrower state protections. Catherine Hartley, an attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute, said the bill "provides a much needed expansion of conscience rights not provided in current federal or state law" and argued it would let health care professionals rely on state law rather than shifting federal regulations. Greg Chaffin, senior counsel with Alliance…