The proposed bill, titled the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," aims to establish and protect the rights of medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and healthcare payers to refuse participation in or payment for medical procedures or services that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It defines key terms such as "conscience," "discrimination," and "healthcare institution," and outlines the rights of conscience, which include the right not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service that violates their conscience, as well as immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for exercising these rights.

The bill prohibits discrimination against individuals or entities for declining to participate in procedures based on their conscience, detailing various forms of discrimination that are prohibited. It includes specific provisions for religious medical practitioners and institutions, allowing them to make employment and staffing decisions consistent with their religious beliefs.

Additionally, the bill provides whistleblower protections for medical practitioners who report violations of the act, ensuring they cannot be discriminated against for disclosing information related to such violations. It allows for civil actions to be brought against any party that violates the provisions of the act, with potential remedies including damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing the legal framework surrounding medical ethics and the rights of conscience in healthcare settings.