SB185 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

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

Summary

SB185 would let health care providers decline to perform services that violate their conscience and protect them from liability and discrimination when they object in writing.

What This Bill Does

It allows health care providers to refuse to perform or participate in health care services that conflict with their conscience, provided they file a written objection at least 24 hours before the service. It shields providers from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for refusals, except in life-threatening emergencies where no other provider is available. It makes discrimination against such providers unlawful and allows remedies like injunctive relief and back pay for violations. In life-threatening cases, providers must give care until another capable provider is found, and there are limits regarding abortion clinics and existing abortion-related laws.

Who It Affects

• Health care providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) who object in writing to participating in certain services, enabling them to refuse participation without facing liability or discrimination.
• Hospitals, clinics, and other health care entities and their staff who may be involved with providers who object, receiving liability immunity and policy protections related to refusals.

Key Provisions

• Allows a health care provider to refuse to perform or participate in a health care service that violates their conscience if they object in writing prior to the service.
• Provides immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for refusals, except in life-threatening emergencies.
• Prohibits discrimination against providers who decline to participate in such services when objections are in writing.
• Allows injunctive relief and back pay for violations of the act.
• In life-threatening situations, requires the provider to provide care until another capable provider is found.
• Does not apply to abortion clinics and does not modify certain abortion-related statutes or medical liability acts.
• Defines key terms (conscience, health care service, object in writing, participate).
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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