'Moral objection' bill would allow healthcare providers to refuse service

Health care providers could use a "moral objection" or "matter of conscience" standard to refuse service to patients under a bill passed by the state Senate on Thursday. By a 26-12 vote, the Senate approved the bill, which would allow health care providers—as a matter of conscience—to decline services they object to. It also would allow employers to refuse to pay for services for their employees that "violated the payer's conscience."