JEFFERSON CITY — Lawmakers in the Missouri Senate today (3-27) gave considerable debate to a measure that would provide protections for religious beliefs if certain health care services, such as abortion, contraception or sterilization, are sought through a health care plan.

Senate Bill 749, sponsored by Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue, states that no employee or any other person, employer, health plan provider or sponsor, health care provider or any other entity would have to obtain or provide coverage for certain health care services if these procedures or items are against the person or entity’s religious beliefs or moral convictions.

In addition, the legislation would prohibit any governmental entity, public official or entity acting in a governmental capacity from discriminating against employees, self-employed individuals, health care plan providers or sponsors, or other entities or individuals for failing to obtain or provide health care coverage for these specific services due to their moral convictions or religious beliefs.

The bill also allows the Missouri Attorney General to bring a civil action when protections regarding religious beliefs or moral convictions pertaining to the provisions in SB 749 have been threatened or violated.

The legislation contains an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately up on receiving the governor’s signature.

For more information about bills moving through the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.