As some of you know, there has been principled, efficient action performed in Nebraska this past year to strengthen protection for health care providers in Nebraska. Well, the 2013 legislative session brings a new sponsor, a new hearing and, therefore, a wonderful new opportunity to move this effort forward.
We are greatly encouraged to pass along the good news that the Nebraska Medical Association has passed a resolution (nearly unanimous) supporting the policy of conscience protection. That's good. But it's not the end.
The pro-life, pro-freedom political activists here in Nebraska that have worked on this very important project are suggesting three important ways that YOU can make an impact -- a big impact -- to provide stronger legal protection of conscience rights for licensed health care providers.
1) Written testimony.
This can be a letter of support on your letterhead given to Suzanne Gage (State Director, Americans United for Life) or Greg Schleppenbach (Nebraska Catholic Conference, Pro-life Director) which will be delivered the day of the hearing to the Judiciary Committee and submitted as testimony.
2) Personal testimony.
This would be a huge help! The public hearing for LB 564, the Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act, is scheduled for March 1 in the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. The public hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Judiciary Room 1113 on the ground level of the State Capitol Building and LB564 is the first bill to be heard.
3) Participating in a press conference with other medical professionals in the Capitol Rotunda (March 1st at noon).
If you have any questions about the process or are interested in testifying, please contact Suzanne Gage (402-730-1057) or Greg Schleppenbach (402-477-7517).
You are welcome to pass this along to your colleagues who might desire to help protect against what we all know has been a zealous and concerted attack on the rights of freedom and conscience.
Thank you so much.
