Sunshine Sentinel

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved four bills on May 11 aimed at obstructing medical mandates, safeguarding the autonomy of physicians, and prohibiting hazardous gain-of-function research.

A press release from DeSantis' office stated that SB 252 is an extensive bill that guarantees medical freedom. It forbids businesses and government bodies from mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination for accessing services and prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their vaccination or immunity status. 

"Our early actions during the pandemic protected Floridians and their freedoms," DeSantis said. "We protected the rights of Floridians to make decisions for themselves and their children and rejected COVID theater, narratives, and hysteria in favor of truth and data."

Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Stephanie Nichols argued that medical providers, like doctors and nurses, should not be compelled to act against their ethical and religious principles.

"Americans shouldn’t be forced to violate their ethical and religious beliefs, and this certainly includes doctors, nurses, and other medical providers," Nichols said.

In addition, HB 1387 makes Florida the first state in the country to ban gain-of-function research, while SB 238 ensures that particular information concerning discrimination based on healthcare choices is not disclosed in public records. 

Nichols then commended DeSantis and the legislature for safeguarding the freedom of speech for medical professionals and their right to live in harmony with their ethical and religious convictions while providing their essential services.

"Protecting free speech rights for medical professionals and the right for them to live in accordance with their ethical and religious beliefs as they offer their much-needed services," Nichols said.

The proposed legislation promotes both public health and individual autonomy in making medical decisions. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo supports the bills as he believes they will benefit everyone, according to Florida Health.

"[The bills] advance the cause of public health and individual autonomy in medical decisions," Ladapo said. "From empowering patients to safeguarding children in schools, Florida continues to enshrine individual liberty and lead with common sense."

Nonprofit legal group Alliance Defending Freedom has endorsed SB 1580.

"Thankfully, SB 1580 is a strong step in outlining comprehensive protections in Florida law for medical conscience and freedom of speech for medical providers," Nichols said. "The legislation ensures that medical professionals aren’t compelled to breach their oath to ‘do no harm’ by being required to participate in procedures or treatments that violate their conscience." 

According to a news release, SB 1580 protects physicians' liberties by allowing healthcare providers to refuse specific services and prevents them from being penalized or having their license denied as a result.

"These expanded protections will help ensure that medical authoritarianism does not take root in Florida," DeSantis said.