Bill > HB2072

This bill establishes legal protections for healthcare providers who wish to refuse participation in medical procedures related to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning based on religious or conscientious objections. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms like "biological sex," "gender transition," and "healthcare provider," which broadly encompasses medical professionals, facilities, and support staff. Under the proposed law, healthcare providers cannot be compelled to perform, assist with, or accept patients for gender transition-related treatments if doing so would conflict with their personal ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The bill explicitly protects providers from potential professional consequences such as employment discrimination, licensing issues, or loss of hospital privileges as a result of such refusals. Importantly, the bill includes a provision ensuring that emergency medical treatment and basic patient rights like visitation and healthcare decision-making representation remain unaffected. Healthcare providers who believe they have been improperly penalized for exercising their objection rights can file civil actions for damages and attorney fees, and the state's Attorney General is empowered to enforce compliance with the law's provisions. The legislation aims to balance healthcare providers' religious freedom with patient care considerations by creating a legal framework for conscientious objection in gender transition medical services.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2072&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill