Alabama’s U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is leading a Senate GOP push to flip federal residency standards on abortion training, making participation “opt-in” instead of “opt-out” as the default.
Britt, who is a strong pro-life advocate in Congress, joined many of her colleagues in the Senate to introduce the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act, which stablishes clear federal protections, so residents are not forced to choose between their moral or religious beliefs and their careers.
“There should never be an instance where a medical student or resident is forced to choose between their deeply held moral or religious convictions and their careers,” Britt said. “Our legislation simply lets residents opt in, rather than be forced to opt out, of training that violates their consciences.”
Under current rules from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, residents are allowed to opt out of abortion training, but the opt-out system puts pressure on trainees to participate in procedures that violate their moral or religious beliefs. Residents often fear that opting out could affect evaluations, recommendations, or future career opportunities.
“I will always fight to protect life,” Britt continued, “and I’m proud to support this bill that would safeguard the values of aspiring medical professionals as they learn and thrive.”
The legislation replaces the opt-out system with an opt-in system, while also ensuring residents can choose whether to participate in abortion training and protects them from discrimination or retaliation if they decline.
U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), who cosponsored the bill, echoed Britt’s sentiments on the issue.
“Medical residents should never be pressured to violate their beliefs in order to finish their training or advance in their careers,” Lankford said.
“Many went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine. Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.”
Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are also cosponsors of this legislation.
The following organizations support the bill: AAPLOG Action, SBA, ADF, AUL, NRLC, CURE, CatholicVote, Vitae Foundation, Human Coalition, March for Life Action, Heartbeat International, SFLA Action, CWALAC, ERLC, Live Action, Heritage Action, FPA, Liberty Counsel, FRC, and Liberty Counsel Action.
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