I am writing to you to oppose H.B. No. 5516 'AN ACT CONCERNING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS", which has been voted out of the Public Health Committee. This proposed legislation is a direct and unnecessary backdoor attack on Catholic hospitals in our state.
Although the legislation does not directly use the words "Catholic hospital" in its language, the reality is the wording of the bill makes it obvious which healthcare entites are the target of this legislation.
This legislation will prevent the administration of Catholic hospitals from disciplining providers employed by them who violate the religious directives these hospitals operate under in terms of providing or referring for abortions and gender-affirming care. It is an attempt to create a work around of the "Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services" (ERDs) by advocacy groups who support abortions and transgender care.
Connecticut has many other medical facilities that provide these services. In a small state like ours it is not a burden on anyone to find the services they seek.
Please vote "No" on HB 5516 and preserve the religious liberty of Catholic hospitals.
