U.S. Senate
Senate Bill 2351 (1994)
Health Security Act
Introduction
What is reproduced here is the protection of conscience section of a
bill introduced 2 August, 1994, by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (See
full text
of bill). It was last considered by the Senate on 19 August, 1994 and
did not proceed further. Interest in the bill was renewed in 2012
because of the Obama administration's plan to force objecting employers
to provide insurance coverage for surgical sterilization, contraceptives
and embryocides.
103rd Congress (1993-1994)
S.2351 Health Security Act
SEC. 21223. PROVISIONS RELATING TO RELIGIOUS BELIEF OR MORAL CONVICTION.
Nothing in this title shall be construed to--
(1) prevent any individual from purchasing a standard benefits package
which excludes coverage of abortion services, if the individual objects to
abortion on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction;
(2) prevent any employer from contributing to the purchase of a standard
benefits package which excludes coverage of abortion or other services, if
the employer objects to such services on the basis of a religious belief or
moral conviction;
(3) require any health professional or health facility to perform or
assist in the performance of any health care service, if the health
professional or facility objects to performing or assisting in the
performance of such a service on the basis of a religious belief or moral
conviction; and
(4) require any commercial insurance company, Blue Cross plan, integrated
health plan, or any other organization that assumes health insurance risk to
offer a package including abortion or other services, if the health plan
sponsor objects to covering such services on the basis of a religious belief
or moral conviction.