Sue Myrick: “H.R. 4691 strengthens existing law by saying that health care entities should not be forced by the government to provide…”

“H.R. 4691 strengthens existing law by saying that health care entities should not be forced by the government to provide abortions. It is a very small but very important step in the right direction. It simply protects conscience rights of those organizations who do not want to be involved in abortion. I urge Members to act promptly to enact the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, which will address the crisis of conscience rights and begin to eliminate the intolerance, coercion and discrimination against health care participants who do not believe in participating in abortion procedures due to moral or religious beliefs. In 1996 Congress passed a law that forbids government discrimination against health care entities that refuse to undergo training in the performance of induced abortions, to require or provide such training, to perform such abortions or to provide referrals for such training for such abortions. However, due to recent judicial misrepresentation, H.R. 4691 is needed to clarify that health care entities include all health care organizations, including hospitals.”