The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference are grateful for the passage of an important rights of conscience bill (SB 1439) that was signed into law today by Governor Doug Ducey.
SB 1439 will help protect health care providers not wanting to participate in services causing the death of their patients. These protections already exist under federal law with respect to health care providers not participating in assisted suicide or similar actions. SB 1439, however, will add state level protections and clarify that these health care providers are not discriminated against in their employment.
The protections in SB 1439 are consistent with Arizona’s long held policy of respecting human life and the rights of conscience for health care providers. Accordingly, we are glad that this bill has now become law.
Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares
Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted
Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas
Bishop of Tucson
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MEDIA CONTACT
Ron Johnson, Executive Director
rjohnson@diocesephoenix.org