[Oklahoma] Despite physician opposition, lawmakers OK bill allowing denial of care for 'moral' reasons

[In It to Win It]

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid concerns that it could harm patients, lawmakers narrowly advanced a bill that would allow health care providers to refuse to offer specific procedures or care based on moral, religious or conscientious beliefs.

House Bill 1224, authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, moved through the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee Monday with a 7-6 vote with bipartisan opposition.

Around 30 health care providers from around the state gathered at the Capitol and filled the committee meeting to advocate against the bill. They said they were disappointed by the outcome of the vote.

The legislation, which West said has been successful in a handful of states, could allow a physician, or an entire hospital, to choose not to offer procedures that conflict with personal beliefs. This excludes emergency care, although the bill does not define the parameters that create that situation.

No specific procedures or types of care are outlined in the bill, meaning a health care provider, institution or payor could choose to stop offering STD testing, blood transfusions or elective procedures.

https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/03/03/despite-physician-opposition-lawmakers-ok-bill-allowing-denial-of-care-for-moral-reasons/

[Solly Mack]

1. I'm opposed to treating conservatives.

Fair is fair, right?

[Timeflyer]

2. This is aimed at pregnant women, of course. Can't imagine it affecting hetero males, unless

they look like good (white) breeding stock and want a vasectomy.

[SupernaturalMama]

3. How can this ever be considered

Absolutely ridiculous that they're removing EVERYTHING that women had fought for and finally had a modicum of control over their lives. But Hospitals should NEVER be allowed to refuse due to religious beliefs and as for physicians they took an oath and I can not remember ever reading in that oath "unless it interferes with my beliefs"
This is really getting out of control. I am positive that RBG is rolling over in her grave and screaming wtf after a lifetime securing certain rights and protecting them blown apart in such a short time! It's a disgrace pure and simple.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. Welcome to DU

[Wounded Bear]

4. Their morals are fucked up if they pass this...nt

[Behind the Aegis]

6. This can and will affect the LGBT community too.

Though many won't see that, and even fewer will care. Such is life.