HHS’ Office for Civil Rights investigates state health department for potential “conscience” violations related to reproductive health 

  • Executive Actions
1 min. read

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched an investigation into an undisclosed state’s health department to determine whether its licensing policies, interpretations, or enforcement practices related to behavioral health facilities and providers violate “conscience” and “equal treatment” laws and regulations. This investigation will focus on alleged discrimination against faith-based organizations and individuals with objections to providing or referring for reproductive and trangender health care. This is the Trump administration’s fifth publicly announced investigation promoting health care refusals.