The Medical Ethics Defense Act aims to provide protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors regarding their exercise of conscience, whistleblower activities, and free speech. The bill defines key terms such as "conscience," "discrimination," "health care institution," and "medical practitioner." It establishes that these entities have the right to refuse participation in health care services that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs without facing discrimination. Additionally, it clarifies that this right does not exempt them from federal requirements to provide emergency medical services.

The bill also includes provisions for whistleblower protections, ensuring that practitioners and institutions cannot be discriminated against for reporting suspected violations of the law or ethical standards. It prohibits state licensing boards from penalizing practitioners for engaging in protected speech unless it can be proven that such speech directly caused physical harm. Furthermore, the bill makes it unlawful to interfere with the rights established under this act, allowing affected parties to seek civil remedies. A severability clause is included to ensure that if any part of the bill is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.