SB251 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

SB251 would let health care providers decline to perform or participate in services that violate their conscience, shield them from certain liability and discrimination, and set conditions and limits for exercising these rights.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes health care providers to refuse to perform or participate in health care services that violate their conscience if they object in writing before being asked. It provides immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for these refusals, except when refusing would immediately endanger a patient’s life. It makes discrimination against such providers unlawful and allows injunctive relief and back pay for violations, with additional protections for students and specific carve-outs. The act also defines key terms and specifies that it does not override abortion-related statutes or apply to abortion clinics licensed by the state, and it includes severability and an effective date.

Who It Affects

• Health care providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals) who object in writing to performing certain services and may refuse to participate without facing liability.
• Health care institutions and employers, boards, and other overseers that could not discriminate against providers who decline to participate and may face remedies if they do.
• Health care students and trainees, who cannot be penalized for holding or expressing positions on the four listed services and may be evaluated on course material without being required to perform such services.
• Other related organizations or officials (e.g., boards certifying competency, public/private institutions) that are covered by the act’s nondiscrimination provisions.

Key Provisions

• Right to refuse in writing: A health care provider may decline to participate in a health care service that conflicts with their conscience, provided they object in writing before being asked to perform the service.
• Liability immunity: Providers are not civilly, criminally, or administratively liable for declines, except if refusing would immediately endanger a patient’s life.
• Discrimination and remedies: It is unlawful to discriminate against providers for declining to participate; injunctive relief and back pay may be awarded for violations.
• Definitions and scope: The act defines conscience, health care service (including abortion-related services), participate, and object in writing to clarify who is protected and what constitutes participation.
• Limitations and exemptions: The act does not apply to abortion clinics licensed by the state; it does not override certain abortion statutes; sections are severable; effective date is specified.
• Student protections: Students may be evaluated on course materials but cannot be penalized for their position on the four health care services.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Care Providers