The division is within the HHS Office for Civil Rights. It launched Jan. 18, and offers protections for healthcare workers with religious or moral objections to abortions, euthanasia and other medical services.
The more than 300 complaints issued to the division by healthcare workers since its launch allege employers violated religious or conscience rights, according to the report. HHS received 34 complaints related to conscience rights in November 2016.
“We’ve announced to the world that we’re open for business and the public is responding,” OCR Director Roger Severino told The Hill in a statement.
Federal officials have said the division will allow HHS to “more vigorously and effectively” enforce laws related to conscience and religious freedom.
The Family Research Council has praised the new division, saying it should be an encouragement to healthcare providers with religious or moral objections. But the American Civil Liberties Union, which voiced opposition to the division last month, said federal officials “are prioritizing providers’ beliefs over patients’ health and lives.”
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