Kentucky Senate Passes SB 239 Protecting Conscience Rights of Healthcare Workers

FRANKFORT, KY – The Family Foundation applauds Senator Donald Douglas, the bill’s sponsor, and the Senate chamber for the passage of Senate Bill 239, the Healthcare Heroes Recruitment and Retention Act. The Foundation also thanks Senator Stephen Meredith for his work on this important issue for many years. SB 239 passed 29-7 and now heads to the Kentucky House.

In the face of a worsening shortage of healthcare workers, SB 239 provides important rights of conscience for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals that will help recruit and retain healthcare workers in Kentucky. SB 239 also enhances the quality of health care by protecting freedom of speech and discussions on patient safety for healthcare professionals. 

Statement from David Walls, executive director of The Family Foundation:

“SB 239 is a much-needed bill to protect the conscience rights of doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners that will allow for more choices for patients. No one, especially our frontline healthcare workers, should be forced to choose between their faith and their profession.

“We are thankful for the leadership of Sen. Douglas and Sen. Meredith to help ensure medical professionals are never forced to violate their oath to “do no harm.” The Kentucky House should now move quickly on this necessary legislation,” Walls concluded.

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The Family Foundation is the leading Christian public policy organization in Kentucky and stands for Kentucky families and the Biblical values that make them strong. Learn more at kentuckyfamily.org.