Pfluger Introduces Bill to Protect Healthcare Providers Who Refuse to Support or Promote Abortion

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), alongside Senator James Lankford (R-OK), introduced bicameral legislation to protect healthcare providers who refuse to support or promote abortion. 

The Conscience Protection Act of 2025 strengthens and expands the Weldon Amendment, a federal provision—attached to annual appropriations bills since 2004—that prohibits any federal, state, or local government from discriminating against or penalizing health care providers who decline to perform, pay for, or refer for abortions. The bill codifies these protections into permanent law and establishes a civil right of action, allowing individuals and entities to seek legal recourse 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. "That’s why one of my top priorities in Congress is defending life and the people who stand up for it. 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. It builds on and strengthens the Weldon Amendment, ensuring no doctor, nurse, or provider is punished by government overreach for following their conscience. I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Lankford as we push back on radical policies that threaten the sanctity of life and the freedom of those who protect it.”

“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," Senator James Lankford said. "Many health care professionals went into their careers to protect life, not take life. Doctors and nurses should never have to make the choice between their career and their conscience. The Conscience Protection Act defends health care workers and empowers them to stand by convictions as they care for their community."

The bill is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Dan Webster (FL-11), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Roger Williams (TX-25), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and in the Senate by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Todd Young (R-IN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Jim Banks (R-IN). 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Rep. Pfluger's legislation is supported by several pro-life advocacy organizations, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, March for Life, Alliance Defending Freedom, and the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG).

The Honorable Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said, “SBA Pro-Life America is proud to stand with pro-life leader Congressman Pfluger as he introduces the Conscience Protection Act. 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. Women deserve real help and care—not high-risk drugs to take alone without medical guidance. This bill rightfully empowers medical professionals to protect women and defend life, not destroy it." 

Jennie Bradley Lichter, President of March for Life Action, said, "March for Life Action is grateful for Representative Pfluger’s introduction of the Conscience Protection Act which rightly ensures that the government cannot penalize healthcare providers who refuse to support or promote abortion. At March for Life Action, we remain committed to working alongside lawmakers to ensure pro-life institutions can uphold their values without fear of punishment."

Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom, said, "Americans—including doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals—ought to be free to live and work consistent with their conscience without fear of unjust punishment. At a time when our country is facing a shortage of qualified health care heroes, our laws should welcome those who seek to practice medicine in an ethical, conscientious manner. 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. We commend the leadership of Representative August Pfluger and Senator James Lankford on this critical bill. This is a win for people of all faiths."

Christina Francis, MD, CEO of AAPLOG Action, said, "With medical professionals practicing in an environment that is increasingly hostile towards valuing human dignity, it is crucial that they are able to rely on the enforcement of laws protecting their right to serve patients in accordance with their conscience. This bill will ensure that medical professionals are able to continue offering excellent life-affirming care, including in under-served areas of our country."