A bill awaiting the governor's signature in South Carolina would allow licensed healthcare professionals to deny services based on their own "religious, moral or ethical beliefs or principles." The bill, known as the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, is a medical rights of conscience law and would protect doctors, nurses, and medical students from being fired or disciplined for opting out of performing certain services. The law would not apply to emergency medical treatment or allow refusal on the basis of race.
June 22, 2022
