‘Medical conscience’ bills would let providers refuse more health care

By: Anna Claire Vollers

Outlets: Stateline

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 1,461

Last Updated: 1 week, 3 days ago

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Legislation in at least eight states would expand the rights of doctors, nurses, hospitals and even insurance companies to refuse to provide or pay for care — from contraception and fertility services to medical marijuana and childhood vaccines — that conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs.

For years, most states have had so-called medical conscience laws that are mainly aimed at preventing providers or hospitals from having to participate in abortion care. But …

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