NHeLP Comments to HHS on Proposal for Religious Groups and Health Services

Executive Summary

In comments to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Health Law Program urges it to reject a proposal to “remove” barriers that supposedly exist for the faith-based organizations seeking to partner with HHS to provide health care services. “Existing federal laws and policies already provide sufficient protections and exemptions for entities and individuals who object to providing certain services based on their religious beliefs,” the National Health Law Program’s comments state. Expanding exemptions for religious groups to participate with HHS in providing health services, would likely lead to discrimination against women and LGBTQ individuals in the health care system.