HB 1266 would have allowed healthcare providers, healthcare entities, and health carriers (ex: doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and insurance companies) to deny medical services to patients if the services go against the personal beliefs of the provider. This means that providers could refuse to provide gender affirming care, birth control, or any other treatments that may go against their values and no punitory action could be taken against them.
Religious freedom gives everyone the right to make personal decisions, including whether and when to use birth control or certain medical procedures based on our own beliefs and according to what is best for our health and the well-being of our families. It does not give providers the right to impose their beliefs on others.
