HB375 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Barbara Bigsby BoydRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Mac McCutcheonMary Sue McClurkinTerri CollinsApril WeaverEd HenryBecky NordgrenKen JohnsonJim Carns

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Health care providers authorized to decline to perform services that violate their consciences, exceptions, Health Care Rights of Conscience Act

Summary

The Health Care Rights of Conscience Act would allow health care providers to decline to perform or participate in services that violate their conscience, with legal protections and remedies for those who refuse.

What This Bill Does

Provides providers the right to refuse to perform or participate in health care services that violate their conscience, if they file an objection in writing before being asked. Offers immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for such refusals, except if refusing would immediately endanger a patient. Prohibits discrimination or coercion against providers who decline to participate, and allows injunctive relief and back pay for violations. Does not apply to abortion clinics licensed by the State Board of Health.

Who It Affects

• Health care providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) who object in writing to participate in certain services would gain the right to refuse and legal protections.
• Health care institutions, employers, and licensing/oversight bodies would be restricted from discriminating or retaliating against providers who decline, and could face injunctive relief or other remedies if they violate the act.

Key Provisions

• Provider may refuse to participate in health care services that violate conscience if the objection is in writing before being asked.
• Providers are immune from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for such refusals, except when not refusing would immediately endanger a patient.
• Discrimination, disqualification, or coercion against refusing providers is unlawful; remedies include injunctive relief and back pay.
• Health care service definitions include abortion, human cloning, human embryonic stem cell research, and sterilization; 'conscience' and 'object in writing' are defined, and participation is defined.
• The act does not apply to abortion clinics licensed by the State Board of Health; it does not modify certain existing Alabama provisions; severability and an effective date are specified.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Care Providers