Governor Jim Doyle today vetoed Assembly Bill 207, a bill that would have allowed medical professionals to deny care to patients based on the medical professional’s own ideological beliefs.
“One of the most sacred principles of our medical care system is that a doctor should always do what is in the best interests of a patient’s health,” Governor Doyle said. “But this bill would allow a doctor to put his or her political beliefs ahead of the patient’s medical best interests. That is simply unconscionable. Medical decisions should be made by the patient and the doctor based on what's best for the patient, not on the doctor's political views.”
Under the bill, not only could a health care provider refuse treatment, but in such a case, it also contains no provisions to require the health care professional to advise patients of their treatment options, provide a referral for the patient, transfer certain patients, or render care if the patients’ health or life is in danger.
“Because it puts a doctor's political views ahead of the best interests of patients, this legislation ought to be called the ‘unconscionable clause,’” Governor Doyle said. “It is a disservice to patients and to our health care system, and it is in the best interest of all Wisconsin citizens that I veto this bill.”
Governor Doyle also noted that AB 207 poses significant problems for patients who have limited access to a choice of doctors.
“People in rural areas may have a very limited pool of doctors to choose from,” Governor Doyle said. “It is hard enough for many people in those areas to get the health care they need, and this bill would make it even tougher.”
The Governor’s Veto Message on AB 207 can be found online at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=5111.
