Home > Legislation > 115th Congress > H.R.644

H.R.644 - Conscience Protection Act of 2017115th Congress (2017-2018) |

Bill

Hide Overview
Sponsor: Rep. Black, Diane [R-TN-6] (Introduced 01/24/2017)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 01/24/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  (All Actions)

Tracker:

This bill has the status Introduced

Here are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House
  3. Passed Senate
  4. To President
  5. Became Law

More on This Bill

  • Constitutional Authority Statement
  • CBO Cost Estimates [0]

Subject — Policy Area:

Summary: H.R.644 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)All Information (Except Text)

There is one summary for H.R.644. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.

Shown Here:
Introduced in House (01/24/2017)

Conscience Protection Act of 2017

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.

The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion.

DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.