The proposed bill, titled the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," establishes 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 conscience. It defines key terms such as "conscience," "discrimination," and "healthcare institution," and outlines the protections afforded to those exercising their rights of conscience. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination against individuals or entities for declining to participate in procedures based on their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs, and provides immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for such refusals.

The bill includes provisions for whistleblower protection, ensuring that medical practitioners cannot be penalized for reporting violations related to conscience rights. It allows for civil actions to be brought against violations of the act, with potential remedies including damages and injunctive relief. The act emphasizes that while individuals have the right to refuse participation based on conscience, they are still obligated to provide emergency medical treatment as required by federal law. Additionally, the act specifies that a religious medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer that publicly identifies as religious may make employment and staffing decisions consistent with its religious beliefs. The act will take effect upon passage.