Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R), joined by Senator James Lankford (R-OK), has introduced the Conscience Protection Act of 2025, a bicameral bill aimed at strengthening legal protections for healthcare providers who decline to participate in abortions due to moral or religious beliefs.
The legislation would codify into federal law the provisions of the Weldon Amendment, which has been included in annual appropriations bills since 2004. The Weldon Amendment bars federal, state, and local governments from discriminating against healthcare providers who refuse to perform, refer for, or pay for abortions. The Conscience Protection Act would make those protections permanent and allow individuals and entities to seek legal remedy through a private right of action if their conscience rights are violated.
“As a father of three beautiful daughters and a firm believer that life begins at conception, protecting the unborn is not just a policy stance—it’s a moral obligation,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The Conscience Protection Act of 2025 safeguards healthcare professionals from being penalized or discriminated against for not participating in, paying for, or facilitating abortions due to their deeply held beliefs.”
Senator Lankford echoed those concerns.
“When conscience protections aren’t enforced, health care workers are forced to decide if they should lose their job or violate their beliefs by performing an abortion,” he said. “Doctors and nurses should never have to make the choice between their career and their conscience.”
The bill has been co-sponsored in the House by Texas Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R) and Roger Williams (R). In the Senate, Senator Ted Cruz (R) is among the co-sponsors.
The legislation has garnered support from several pro-life advocacy organizations, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, March for Life Action, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG).
“SBA Pro-Life America is proud to stand with pro-life leader Congressman Pfluger as he introduces the Conscience Protection Act,” said Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs for the organization. “This bill's comprehensive definition of 'health care providers' is a necessary response to the Biden Administration’s reckless decision to turn every post office and pharmacy into an abortion center.”
Jennie Bradley Lichter, President of March for Life Action, added, “This bill rightly ensures that the government cannot penalize healthcare providers who refuse to support or promote abortion.”
ADF’s Matt Sharp said the bill would help retain healthcare professionals who want to practice medicine consistent with their values. “The Conscience Protection Act will enable more doctors and nurses to enter, and stay, in health care, leading to more choices for patients seeking a doctor who shares their values.”
Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of AAPLOG Action, stressed the importance of enforceable protections. “It is crucial that [medical professionals] are able to rely on the enforcement of laws protecting their right to serve patients in accordance with their conscience,” she said.
As debate over the role of conscience rights in healthcare continues, this legislation aims to provide lasting legal clarity and peace of mind to Texas providers and institutions committed to protecting life.
