Support/Opposition to the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom. As a healthcare professional, you are a critical stakeholder in the healthcare system. Policy advocacy by healthcare professionals is often encouraged since they are the individuals who interact with the consumers (patients) the most. Your knowledge and perspective are vital to policymakers, as a voice for healthcare consumers and for providing validation and/or opposition to laws and policy.

QUESTION

As a healthcare professional, you are a critical stakeholder in the healthcare system. Policy advocacy by healthcare professionals is often encouraged since they are the individuals who interact with the consumers (patients) the most. Your knowledge and perspective are vital to policymakers, as a voice for healthcare consumers and for providing validation and/or opposition to laws and policy.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced the “Conscience and Religious Freedom Division” of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The office’s stated goal is to “protect institutions and people who refuse to provide medical assistance based on religious objections.” As noted by HHS (2018), the office is intended to protect religious beliefs of care providers. As with most policies, there are opponents and proponents. In general, supporters advocate that the office will protect against religious discrimination while opponents believe the bill will allow for open discrimination against women and LGBTQ patients and consumers.

Information about the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division can be found at the following source: https://www.hhs.gov/conscience/index.html

Review the background readings and conduct additional research on Conscience and Religious Freedom. For your Module 1 SLP assignment, you are to use reasoning (from a healthcare professional perspective) and ethical principles to compose a 2-page letter to your local Congressman/Congresswoman either in support of or opposition to the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom. This should not be opinion (e.g., avoid “I think” in your paper), but a supported analysis. You must cite your sources. Your letter should address the following:

The potential impact of the new Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom to the patient population that you as a healthcare professional serve.
Rationale for your support/opposition. Be sure to discuss relevant ethical principles and support your rationale with reliable and scholarly resources.
Suggestions or recommendations, including how the rights of the provider can be balanced with the rights of the patient.
Please use these three questions to create headings to organize your letter.

Note: You are not graded on your support or opposition, but rather your critical-thinking skills in supporting your position, and application of ethical principles. Be sure to cite at least two peer-reviewed articles in your discussion, as well as any other reliable sources. Again, be sure to review the background readings.

ANSWER

Support/Opposition to the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom: A Critical Analysis from a Healthcare Professional Perspective

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Congressman/Congresswoman’s Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Support/Opposition to the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom

Dear [Congressman/Congresswoman’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my thoughts and concerns regarding the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom recently established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. As a healthcare professional deeply invested in the well-being of the patient population I serve, I believe it is crucial to critically examine the potential impact of this division on healthcare delivery and the ethical considerations involved.

Potential Impact on Patient Population

The establishment of the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom has the potential to significantly impact the patient population in several ways. On one hand, supporters argue that it will protect the religious beliefs of care providers, fostering a sense of autonomy and ensuring their rights are upheld. On the other hand, opponents express concerns that this division may lead to discrimination against vulnerable populations, such as women and LGBTQ individuals, impeding access to necessary healthcare services and compromising their overall well-being.

Rationale for Support/Opposition

In considering my position on this matter, I have examined the ethical principles that guide healthcare practice and the fundamental rights of patients. As a healthcare professional, I firmly believe in the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. These principles are essential in providing equitable and patient-centered care to all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or personal characteristics.

From my perspective, the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom raises concerns about potential infringements on patient autonomy and the principle of justice. It is crucial to strike a balance between the rights of the care providers and the rights of patients. While respecting religious beliefs and individual conscience is important, it should not come at the expense of denying essential healthcare services or perpetuating discrimination.

Suggestions and Recommendations

To ensure a balanced approach that upholds the rights of both providers and patients, I propose the following suggestions:

 Clear Guidelines and Training: Develop comprehensive guidelines and training programs that outline the boundaries of conscientious objection, ensuring that care providers understand their professional obligations and the impact of their choices on patients.

Access to Alternative Providers: Establish mechanisms to guarantee that patients have access to alternative providers who can provide the necessary services in case of conscientious objection, particularly in areas where healthcare resources may be limited.

Robust Patient Education: Implement educational initiatives to empower patients with knowledge about their rights, available healthcare services, and how to navigate potential barriers they may encounter.

 Ethical Committees and Mediation: Establish independent ethical committees or mediation processes that can engage in case-by-case review and resolution of conflicts between provider conscience and patient needs, ensuring a fair and just outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom presents a complex issue that warrants careful consideration. Balancing the rights of care providers and patients is of utmost importance to ensure the provision of ethical and patient-centered care. I urge you, as my representative, to carefully evaluate the potential implications of this division and advocate for measures that prioritize patient well-being, inclusivity, and equitable access to healthcare services.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the perspectives of healthcare professionals like myself as you deliberate on this important issue. Should you require further information or discussion, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]