Leader McCarthy Statement on Conscience Protection Rights

Press Release

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on the finalized HHS rule, "Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care; Delegations of Authority:"

"The Trump Administration has taken an important step to protect the civil rights of all Americans. Congress has long supported effective, vigorous protection for rights of conscience through the legislation it has passed. This new rule gives HHS's Office for Civil Rights the tools it needs to investigate discrimination and enforce the law as written.

"We live in an era of rising intolerance towards people of faith. State and local governments have treated conscience claims with hostility rather than respect. In my home state of California, pregnancy centers devoted to saving lives were targeted and forced by state law to promote abortions, in violation of their deepest beliefs.

"Last year, the Trump Administration created the Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom in HHS's Office for Civil Rights. In doing so, it demonstrated a firm commitment to combating discrimination and protecting the rights of conscience.

"I applaud HHS Secretary Azar and President Trump for continuing to make this a top priority and for strengthening efforts to enforce federal nondiscrimination laws like the Weldon Amendment."

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