Tennessee Providers Able to Deny Care Based on Beliefs
When it comes to providing medical care, doctors often have to perform procedures that go against their beliefs. Abortion is probably the main procedure that has faced a lot of controversy in recent years, but most doctors have likely had to go against their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs at some time in their career.
This moral injury is allegedly causing healthcare providers to leave Tennessee. To keep quality doctors in the state, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed the Medical Ethics Defense Act into state law. It was signed by the governor on April 24, 2025, and became effective immediately. This law, also known as TN SB0955, allows healthcare professionals and insurance providers to refuse participation in procedures or prescriptions that conflict with their personal moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, while still being obligated to provide other necessary medical care. The bill ensures that healthcare providers are not required to participate in actions they find objectionable. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and insurers.
The House sponsor, Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, says that patients and providers have rights, and that providers should not give up their rights to best serve their patients’ rights. Doctors should be able to advocate for patients with a clear conscience, and this law allows them to do so.
Dr. Jonathan Shaw, an OBGYN, says Tennessee’s new law upholds a physician’s right to conscience. He allegedly left his former job due to pressure to announce pronouns. This was considered a barrier to patient care. He said “The ability to do my job was called into question, and human resources were consulted.” That was when he decided to look for a job elsewhere. He was drawn to Tennessee due to “common-sense policies which preserve the freedom to be guided by conscience as a physician.”
However, not everyone agrees with the new law. Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a primary care doctor, said it contradicts the Hippocratic Oath and could compromise patient care by prioritizing a provider’s beliefs over medical needs. She says that “politicians need to stop dictating medical care.” She likes to practice medicine by honoring the patient first, and this law goes against that.
Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) also raised concerns about care during emergencies, especially abortion-related treatment. A lot of doctors have pro-life agendas and their focus may be on saving the life of the fetus no matter the situation, especially in emergency situations where the mother’s life is at risk.
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We rely on doctors to effectively treat our illnesses and injuries with the highest levels of care. A doctor who operates on their conscience only could put patients at risk.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a doctor’s negligence or substandard care, contact a Mt. Juliet personal injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. There are strict time limits in place, so don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form.
Source:
newsnationnow.com/health/health-care-denied-conscience-clause-tennessee/
