The Medical Ethics Defense Act aims to provide protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payors regarding their rights to exercise conscience, engage in whistleblower activities, and express free speech. The bill introduces several new sections defining key terms such as "conscience," "discrimination," and "health care service," and establishes the right for these entities to refuse participation in health care services that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs without facing discrimination. It also clarifies that health care payors cannot decline payment for services based on such refusals and emphasizes the obligation to provide emergency medical services.

Additionally, the Act includes provisions for whistleblower protections, ensuring that individuals cannot be discriminated against for reporting violations or participating in related proceedings. It establishes immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for good faith exercises of conscience and outlines penalties for entities that fail to comply with the Act's requirements, including administrative penalties for noncompliance in providing complaint notifications. The bill also allows for civil actions against unlawful interference with the exercise of conscience and provides for various forms of relief, including injunctive relief and monetary damages. Overall, the Act seeks to safeguard the rights of health care professionals and institutions while maintaining compliance with existing laws.