A bill that would allow healthcare providers the ability to deny care based on conscience advanced in the South Dakota legislature on Thursday.
The bill would protect healthcare providers against discrimination and allow them the right to refuse any medical service that goes against their conscience.
Representative Leslie Heinemann, prime sponsor of the bill, said it allows healthcare workers to provide services without violating their religious or moral beliefs.
Supporters of the bill say it would allow providers to refuse to perform abortions and transgender surgeries.
Representative Taylor Rehfeldt pushed back, saying it gives them permission to disregard a patient when the patient should be their priority.
The bill goes to the House floor on an 8 to 5 vote.