The Kentucky State Senate on Friday passed legislation that would permit medical professionals to refuse to perform procedures that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs.
Senate Bill 72 cleared the chamber in a 28-5 vote and now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration. The proposal would allow healthcare providers to opt out of participating in services that violate their conscience, except in emergencies.
This marks the third straight year the Senate has approved a similar “conscience” measure, though past versions stalled in the House. Supporters with The Family Foundation say they are hopeful the bill will advance this session.
Jesse Green, legal counsel for the organization, said the goal is to ensure practitioners are not forced to take part in procedures they find morally objectionable.
“It’s simply about protecting the conscience rights of the practitioners and making sure that they don’t have to participate in procedures that they cannot morally agree with,” Green said.
He added that in situations where one physician declines to perform a procedure, other providers are typically available to step in.