Wyoming House Passes Medical Ethics Defense Act Without Amendments

A bill aimed at protecting the conscience rights of medical professionals has passed the Wyoming House of Representatives without amendments, County 10 reports.

House Bill 222, known as the Medical Ethics Defense Act-2, was sponsored by Rep. Pepper Ottman (R-Riverton) and seeks to ensure that health care providers, institutions, and payers are not compelled to participate in or fund medical services that conflict with their personal or religious beliefs.

The legislation also permits religious-based health care organizations to make decisions aligned with their beliefs and prohibits discrimination against medical professionals who refuse to provide certain services based on conscience.

Rep. Ottman framed the bill as a necessary protection of First Amendment rights, stating:

“Every American should have the freedom to live according to their ethical and religious beliefs – including our medical professionals.”

She cited a survey indicating that 90% of doctors with religious faith would rather leave the profession than compromise their moral beliefs, while 20% of medical students have avoided certain fields due to perceived hostility toward their values. Ottman suggested that this bill could help attract more health care professionals to Wyoming, particularly in fields like obstetrics and gynecology, where the state faces shortages.

The bill received strong support in the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, passing with a 7-1 vote.

During House floor discussions, Rep. Lloyd Larsen (R-Lander) raised concerns about potential gaps in patient care, particularly in rural areas where limited medical staff might all refuse to perform certain procedures.

“What obligation then do we have to that individual?” he asked.

Ottman responded that medical professionals uncomfortable with certain procedures would likely choose to work in settings that align with their beliefs or establish their own practices. She emphasized that the bill does not intend to restrict care but instead provides workplace protections for health care workers.

Another question arose about whether state-run medical facilities could face legal challenges if they dismissed employees for refusing to perform required procedures. However, this issue was not fully addressed before the bill advanced.

The Wyoming House approved HB 222 in three readings, with all Fremont County representatives voting in favor. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 12, with a committee deadline of February 27. Its progress in the upper chamber will determine whether it becomes law.