A bill that would allow healthcare providers the right to deny care based on conscience failed in the South Dakota legislature on Tuesday.
The bill would have protected healthcare providers against discrimination and allowed them to deny services that go against their moral or religious beliefs.
Supporters of the bill said by providing protection, it would encourage more people to join the medical field.
Representative Nick Fosness said small critical access hospitals don’t have the people or funds to have additional providers on call in case an employee has an ethical problem.
The bill failed with a 41 to 25 vote.
SPM – Why Support – Karen Emenhiser Harris
