Conscientious Right to Refuse Act Awaits House Health Committee Hearing
HB520 would strengthen protections for medical autonomy
A bill introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives seeks to protect individuals who decline medical treatments based on personal beliefs. HB520, known as the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, was filed by State Representative Ernie Yarbrough (R–Trinity) and is currently under review by the House Health Committee.
HB520 aims to prevent discrimination against individuals who refuse vaccines, medications, or medical procedures due to religious or conscientious objections. It also provides legal avenues for those who believe they have faced such discrimination, including the possibility of seeking injunctions and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill authorizes the state Attorney General to defend entities that comply with this law against federal penalties.
Stephanie Durnin, Director of Health Freedom Alabama, expressed strong support for the bill. "To this day, Alabamians remain vulnerable. There are still no laws on the books protecting us from future medical mandates," Durnin said. "HB520 is the shield we've needed since the day our own Governor and Lt. Governor turned on the unvaccinated."
Durnin was referencing Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s July, 2021 statement that “it’s time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks.”
The bill's progression depends on the House Health Committee, chaired by Rep. Paul Lee (R–Dothan). Health Freedom Alabama has called on Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R—Rainsville) and Chairman Lee to ensure HB520 receives a full hearing.
If enacted, the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act would take effect on June 1, 2025. It would establish legal protections for individuals and entities making medical decisions based on personal convictions.
HB520 is not the only medical autonomy bill awaiting action by the House Health Committee. HB444, HB503/SB85 and others are currently in legislative limbo, pending the next Committee meeting. However, with only six legislative days remaining in this session and no meeting of the House Health Committee scheduled, concerns have been raised that Chairman Lee intends to let these bills die in his committee. Questions related to his campaign contributions from Big Med have also been asked.
Health Freedom Alabama and others have issued a Call To Action for concerned Alabamians to contact Speaker Ledbetter, Chairman Lee and their own representatives to ask that HB520 and other medical rights and freedoms bills be prioritized during the few remaining legislative days.
Members of the Alabama House can be contacted through the House webpage HERE.
To learn more about Health Freedom Alabama, visit their website, www.HealthFreedomAlabama.com, or contact them by email at info@healthfreedomalabama.com.
