Anti-Health Care Legislators Deal Another Blow to Patients' Rights
Assembly Labor Committee pushes dangerous anti-birth control Patient Abandonment Bill
Madison, WI – In a blow to Wisconsin patients’ health and privacy, the State Assembly’s Committee on Labor recommended the controversial and dangerous “Patient Abandonment Bill” for passage today. The bill (2005 AB 207) would allow health care providers to withhold medical care, information, and treatment options – including birth control and fertility treatments – based on the providers’ personal beliefs. It would legalize unethical conduct, and leave injured patients with no recourse.
The committee rejected two amendments, one of which would have unambiguously excluded birth control from the scope of the bill, and the other which would have alleviated employers’ concerns about being forced to continue paying vigilante employees who refuse to perform their required duties.
The Patient Abandonment Bill would permit doctors and pharmacists to withhold contraceptives or live-saving treatments for blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases. Providers could refuse to recommend or refer a pregnant woman for an abortion, even if she would die without it. They could deny patients fertility counseling and withhold emergency contraception from rape victims.
“The Patient Abandonment Bill is unnecessary, dangerous to patients, and disrespectful to the vast majority of medical professionals who practice patient-centered, ethical health care,” said Kelda Helen Roys, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. “Legislators should work on common-sense solutions to increase access to birth control – unfortunately, their assaults on contraception will lead to an increase in unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion.”
Under current law, doctors can refuse to perform certain procedures if they disagree with the patient’s decision. They must still provide accurate, comprehensive information about treatment options and refer the patient to another provider. No professional medical organization in the state supports this bill; in fact, the Wisconsin Medical Society opposes it.
NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin is the political arm of the pro-choice movement, building a culture of freedom and personal responsibility. Our political advocacy ensures women the full range of reproductive health care services, including preventing unintended pregnancies, bearing healthy children, and choosing safe, legal abortion. More information is available on NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin’s website, www.prochoicewisconsin.org.
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