U.S. Senate

Senate Bill 2351 (1994)

Health Security Act

Introduction

What is reproduced here is the protection of conscience section of a bill introduced 2 August, 1994, by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. It was last considered by the Senate on 19 August, 1994 and did not proceed further. Interest in the bill was renewed in 2012 because of the Obama administration's plan to force objecting employers to provide insurance coverage for surgical sterilization, contraceptives and embryocides.

103rd Congress (1993-1994)

S.2351 Health Security Act

SEC. 21223. PROVISIONS RELATING TO RELIGIOUS BELIEF OR MORAL CONVICTION.

Nothing in this title shall be construed to--

(1) prevent any individual from purchasing a standard benefits package which excludes coverage of abortion services, if the individual objects to abortion on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction;

(2) prevent any employer from contributing to the purchase of a standard benefits package which excludes coverage of abortion or other services, if the employer objects to such services on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction;

(3) require any health professional or health facility to perform or assist in the performance of any health care service, if the health professional or facility objects to performing or assisting in the performance of such a service on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction; and

(4) require any commercial insurance company, Blue Cross plan, integrated health plan, or any other organization that assumes health insurance risk to offer a package including abortion or other services, if the health plan sponsor objects to covering such services on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction.