Michigan Preparing To Let Doctors Refuse To Treat Gays

[Guest guest]

J

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:42:57 -0800 (PST)

Michigan Preparing To Let Doctors Refuse To Treat Gays

 

 

 

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(Lansing, Michigan) Doctors or other health care

providers could not be disciplined or sued if they

refuse to treat gay patients under legislation passed

Wednesday by the Michigan House.

 

The bill allows health care workers to refuse service

to anyone on moral, ethical or religious grounds.

 

The Republican dominated House passed the measure as

dozens of Catholics looked on from the gallery. The

Michigan Catholic Conference, which pushed for the

bills, hosted a legislative day for Catholics on

Wednesday at the state Capitol.

 

The bills now go the Senate, which also is controlled

by Republicans.

 

The Conscientious Objector Policy Act would allow

health care providers to assert their objection within

24 hours of when they receive notice of a patient or

procedure with which they don't agree. However, it

would prohibit emergency treatment to be refused.

 

Three other three bills that could affect LGBT health

care were also passed by the House Wednesday which

would exempt a health insurer or health facility from

providing or covering a health care procedure that

violated ethical, moral or religious principles

reflected in their bylaws or mission statement.

 

Opponents of the bills said they're worried they would

allow providers to refuse service for any reason. For

example, they said an emergency medical technicians

could refuse to answer a call from the residence of

gay couple because they don't approve of

homosexuality.

 

Rep. Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor) the first openly gay

legislator in Michigan, pointed out that while the

legislation prohibits racial discrimination by health

care providers, it doesn't ban discrimination based on

a person's sexual orientation.

 

" Are you telling me that a health care provider can

deny me medical treatment because of my sexual

orientation? I hope not, " he said.

 

" I think it's a terrible slippery slope upon which we

embark, " said Rep. Jack Minore (D-Flint) before voting

against the bill.

 

Paul A. Long, vice president for public policy for the

Michigan Catholic Conference, said the bills promote

the constitutional right to religious freedom.

 

" Individual and institutional health care providers

can and should maintain their mission and their

services without compromising faith-based teaching, "

he said in a written statement.

[Guest guest]

How sick is this? I thought doctors swore an oath that puts life

above all else? If I were a doctor I couldn't give a damn what that

person did behind closed doors or what church they go to. It

shouldn't even be brought into consideration? Where is the united

States going if we can now euthanize on demand or refuse someone

medical treatment because of their lifestyle? Next doctors will be

refusing to treat lung cancer patients because they smoked or liver

patients because they drank... where will this maddness end?

 

" Born and raised by hypocrites, hearts recycled but never saved, from

the cradle to the grave. We are the kids of war and peace from

Anaheim to the Middle East. We are the stories and disciples of the

Jesus of Suburbia... " I beg to dream and differ from the hollow

lies... " Another protester has crossed the line to find the money's on

the other side, can I get another Amen? There's a flag wrapped around

a score of men... "

-- Words written by Billie Joe Armstrong