FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2023
Contact: Laura Macklem
[email protected]
MED ACT TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF MEDICAL COMMUNITY AND PATIENTS
Executive Director of NC Values Coalition Tami Fitzgerald made a statement today about the “Medical Ethics Defense Act Amendment”:
“In recent years, health care providers have been asked to administer drugs and services which run counter to their deeply held religious beliefs. If enacted, this legislation would protect the rights of conscience for practitioners and entities and would stop the hemorrhage of people leaving the healthcare profession. Nine out of 10 of religious providers responded they would rather stop practicing medicine than violate their beliefs. Twenty-three percent surveyed said they experienced discrimination in the workplace or training based on their religious beliefs. The public supports conscience protection. In a 2019 poll, 83% of those surveyed believed it is important not to force health care professionals to participate in procedures to which they have a moral objection, and 81% of Americans want their doctor to share their moral beliefs. We strongly support the MED Act to ensure the rights and employment of medical practitioners and quality healthcare for all patients.”
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