ACPeds Submits Public Comment Denouncing Proposed HHS Rule that Threatens Conscience Rights

March 7, 2023

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connect@acpeds.org

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Atlanta, GA – The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) submitted a public comment in opposition to a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that threatens medical conscience rights.  

Even though the proposed rule is named “Safeguarding the Rights of Conscience as Protected by Federal Statutes,” it in practice leaves medical professionals and health care entities vulnerable and unprotected when they object to performing procedures they find harmful and unethical.  The sixty-day public comment period on this proposal ended on March 6.

Dr. Mike Artigues, President of ACPeds released the following statement:

“This proposed rule is an affront on the conscience rights of pediatricians and other health care professionals. Congress passed federal conscience laws to protect our profession.  This proposed rule threatens those very protections. Abortion is not healthcare.  We, as doctors, must not be forced to participate or train in procedures that kill one of our patients, the preborn baby, or fear being driven out of the healthcare field.  This proposed rule corrupts the practice of medicine, will hurt those who are most vulnerable, and undermines the enforcement of our federal conscience laws.  Conscience rights are not second class rights.”

If you would like to set up an interview with Dr. Mike Artigues please contact connect@acpeds.org.

The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) is a national medical association of licensed physicians and healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. It was founded by a group of concerned physicians who saw the need for a pediatric organization that would not be influenced by the politically driven pronouncements of the day. The mission of the ACPeds is to enable all children to reach their optimal physical and emotional health and well-being. The ACPeds is committed to fulfilling its mission by producing sound policy, based upon the best available research, to assist parents and to influence society in the endeavor of childrearing.