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 and includes specific provisions for religious entities to make staffing and operational decisions aligned with their beliefs. It also establishes whistleblower protections for medical practitioners who report violations of the chapter, ensuring they cannot be discriminated against for disclosing information related to such violations.

Additionally, the act allows for civil actions to be brought against any party that violates its provisions, with potential remedies including damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief. The bill emphasizes that it does not override the requirement to provide emergency medical treatment as set forth in federal law and is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.