A debate has erupted over a bill that would allow medical professionals to refuse medical care based on the doctor’s personal beliefs, with supporters citing religious freedoms and opponents warning it could harm patients.
Known as the Medical Ethics Defense Act, Senate Bill 955 passed the Tennessee Senate last week 27-3. The bill would protect healthcare providers from legal repercussions for refusing care, except for procedures, treatments, or services governed by federal law.
Rep. Sam McKenzie has maintained that the bill violates the Hippocratic Oath, while bill sponsor Rep. Bryan Terry has claimed it protects medical ethics, a principle upheld in states like Mississippi and Illinois.
The bill is now before the House for consideration.
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