Controversial Tennessee medical ethics bill signed into law

(UPDATED: April 30, 2025) – House Bill 1044, the Medical Ethics Act, was signed by Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday. This now gives doctors and physicians the right to refuse to pay for a prescription or perform a procedure that violates their conscience or morals.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) – A heated debate erupted at the State Capitol today as lawmakers clashed over House Bill 1044, also known as the Medical Ethics Act. The bill, which passed through the Health Committee, would allow medical professionals to refuse treatment based on personal beliefs. While supporters argue it upholds ethical standards, opponents claim it opens the door to discrimination, particularly against transgender individuals.

Fiery Debate in Committee Hearing

During the committee hearing, Democratic lawmakers voiced strong opposition to the measure. Representative Sam McKenzie (D-15th District) argued that the bill unfairly targets the transgender community.

“They are continually attacking a really small, minute part of our community—the transgender community,” McKenzie said. “This bill, while called a ‘medical ethics’ bill, really gives doctors a license to discriminate based on factors patients cannot control.”

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Bryan Terry, defended the legislation in a statement, saying it “protects the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm and strengthens patient trust.”

McKenzie disagreed, emphasizing the potential harm to vulnerable patients. “At the end of the day, doctors are service providers, and their duty is to care for patients,” he stated. “The Hippocratic Oath says ‘first, do no harm’—I believe this bill would do harm to individuals.”

Medical Community Divided

The bill has sparked division within the medical community. Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a physician who testified against the bill, raised concerns about the impact on patient trust. “I worry this bill will lead to more patients not trusting their medical caregivers to provide the care they need,” she said. She emphasized that doctors should “honor the patient first.”

However, other medical professionals supported the bill. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, an OB-GYN, argued that physicians should be able to uphold both their professional and personal beliefs. “I can have allegiance to both—to the patient, to do no harm, to help her—and to the God of the patient as well. And one does trump the other,” he stated.

What’s Next for the Bill?

With the bill now moving to the full House for consideration, its fate remains uncertain. Supporters believe it is a necessary protection for medical professionals, while opponents fear it will create barriers to essential healthcare services.

As the debate continues, lawmakers and medical experts will weigh the potential impact of the legislation on both healthcare providers and patients across the state.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.

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