On Thursday, the Trump Administration finalized the “Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care” rule, known as the new “conscience rule” that would allow health care providers to refuse certain services based on religious beliefs and conscientious objection. NCSD has previously condemned this rule, submitting comments to the Administration when it was initially proposed in January 2018.

The final version of this rule will permit individuals and institutions to deny health care services, if they go against the providers religious or moral beliefs. NCSD joins numerous organizations in staunch opposition to this new rule.

In addition to violating commonly accepted codes of medical ethics, these new guidelines have the potential to negatively impact a variety of adversely affected groups at the heart of the STD epidemic such as women and LGBTQ people. By implementing this rule, the Trump Administration has made it easier for medical care providers to discriminate against their patients, and in doing so has created an environment that will dissuade many underserved communities from accessing the care they need. At a time when the US is experiencing record rates of STDs across the country, it is essential that we break down barriers to accessing care, rather than building new ones.

NCSD remains committed to updating our members on any harmful laws or rules that come out in the future, and how you can take action to combat the impacts they have on the communities we serve.