Four bills to protect health care conscience pass Michigan House

Published: 2004-05-03

DETROIT (CNS) -- With the strong support of the Catholic Church, Michigan moved a step closer in late April toward enacting laws that would protect the religious freedom of health care providers. The Michigan House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved four bills that if made into law would prevent health care providers from having to offer services that, according to their beliefs, are immoral. "We're extremely pleased (the bills) passed the house," said David Maluchnik, spokesman for the Michigan Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the church in Michigan. "And we praise the representatives who supported this legislation." Maluchnik said the bills have a strong chance of also being passed by the Senate. If they do, they would require a signature from Gov. Jennifer Granholm to become law.

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