The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) has issued a legislative alert voicing its concern about a proposed Maryland measure that the MCC says would put conscience protections for Maryland Catholic hospitals at risk.
Here is the Message issued by the MCC:
“The Senate Finance Committee has voted in favor of SB 447, a bill that poses a serious threat to Catholic hospitals by undermining their ability to uphold the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which are rooted in the dignity of all human life.
“The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures all patients, including pregnant women, receive emergency care regardless of their ability to pay. While it requires hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment, it does not override federal conscience protections that allow religious hospitals to refuse procedures like abortion on moral grounds.
“SB 447 would codify EMTALA in Maryland. This would conflict with constitutional protections for religious freedom and conscience rights, potentially forcing Catholic hospitals to violate their deeply held beliefs by participating in procedures that contradict their moral teachings.
“As Catholics, we remain committed to advocating for policies that provide the best and most compassionate care for both mothers and their preborn children—especially in the most difficult medical situations.”
People can take action at: https://mdcatholic.quorum.us/campaign/conscienceprotections/
