Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., introduced legislation this week to shield medical residents from being forced to participate in abortion training.
Murphy said the “Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act” addresses growing reports that pro-life residents encounter both subtle and overt pressure to assist in abortions despite formal opt-out rules. He argued that Congress must ensure residents can voice moral or religious objections without risking retaliation from supervisors who hold significant influence over their evaluations and future careers.
“Medical residents should not be compelled to participate in abortion training if it violates their conscience,” Murphy said in a statement. “Opting out of such training enables potential retaliation by faculty who have enormous power over residents and their future success. Pursuing an elective abortion is not the same as receiving lifesaving care, such as for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, and training should reflect that.”
He added that the bill aims to restore a “non-ideological educational environment where individuals do not fear expressing moral or religious objections.”
Lankford, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate, said residents should never have their careers threatened over moral or religious convictions.
“Many went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine,” Lankford said. “Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.”
The bill would replace the current opt-out model — which requires residents to declare objections upfront — with an opt-in system, where residents could elect to participate in abortion training. Supporters argue that the existing structure forces pro-life residents to distinguish themselves from peers at the start of their program.
The bill prohibits programs from penalizing or denying advancement to residents who refuse to perform, assist with, or refer for abortions.
A coalition of pro-life and religious-liberty organizations — including CatholicVote, Students for Life Action, and Family Research Council — has endorsed the legislation.
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