MEDICAL CONSCIENCE RIGHTS INITIATIVE
Protecting Religious Freedom in Healthcare
OVERVIEW
The Medical Conscience Rights Initiative (MCRI) is a joint effort launched in 2020 by the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), Alliance Defending Freedom, and Christ Medicus Foundation to promote legislation on the state-level to protect America’s healthcare providers from mandates to perform voluntary procedures in violation of their conscience (e.g., abortion, physician assisted suicide, gender transition surgery, etc.).
MCRI involves a multi-level strategy, including:
- Print and digital media campaigns
- Education resources
- Grassroots coalition building in select states
- Direct professional and educational advocacy with state leaders
- Hearing testimony provided by coalition partners
Medical conscience rights are rooted in:
- Human Dignity
- The purpose of medicine to administer life-affirming care
- The medical practitioner's oath to Do No Harm
- First Amendment protections of religious conscience and free exercise
A key aspect of MCRI is model legislation that can serve as the foundation for state legislators seeking to take action in this area. Five states — Arkansas, Ohio, South Carolina, Montana, and Florida — have enacted versions of this model legislation. Similar efforts are ongoing in multiple other states.
To learn more, contact RFI by phone: 202-838-7734 or email: crfe@rfi.org.
ARTICLES
Who Decides? Resolving Conflicts between Individual Conscience and Institutional Identity
RFI’s Eric Patterson Speaks at 2022 Religious Freedom Annual Review
Euthanasia is a runaway train in Canada. It’s time to hit the brakes.
An “Oath Unviolated”: Realizing the Joy of Medicine through the Free Exercise of Conscience
When Conscience Is Attacked, the Ground Beneath Us Shakes
Hospitals’ Case for Conscience Protection
COVID-19 Pandemic Exposes Need for Health Care Based on Conscience and Compassion
Health care without conscience is a dangerous contradiction
RFI Supports Senate Letter Demanding DOJ and HHS Uphold Medical Conscience Rights
VIDEO CAMPAIGN
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 9
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 8
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 7
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 6
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 5
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 4
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 3
MCRI Principled Truths Series | Video 2
