Trump Religious Shield for Health Workers Puts Employers in Bind

Religious protections bolstered under a new Trump administration rule create a pathway to deny health care treatment to LGBT individuals, restrict abortion rights, and avoid providing vaccinations, prompting concern that employers in the health care industry are now in an untenable and risky position.

The so-called conscience rule, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, allows health workers and hospitals to deny medical treatment based on religious beliefs. Supporters of the Trump administration’s rule say it simply closes holes in existing federal law and provides more certainty for employers.

Employment attorneys warn the rule could apply to more ...